Wednesday, 12 November 2008

KEARNEY KEEPS TIGHT LIPPED OVER LINE-UP


New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney is in no hurry to name his team for Saturday's World Cup semi-final against England.
Kearney has adopted the cagey policy of his counterpart Tony Smith, who named a 19-man squad that did not include likely starters Ade Gardner and Danny McGuire.
Speaking after his side's training session at the ANZ Stadium, Kearney said there was no need to confirm New Zealand's line-up yet.
"We'll name it when we're ready," he said. "It's got nothing to do with England. It's more how we are thinking and what we think is going to work for us on Saturday night."
Kearney rested captain Nathan Cayless, right winger Sam Perrett and prop Sam Rapira for last Saturday's final group game against England, which they won 36-24.
Centre Krisnan Inu, second rower Setaimata Sa and utility player Dene Halatau also sat the game out while second rower Sika Manu was sidelined with an eye injury.
Manu is back in contention but centre Steve Matai has been ruled out with a neck injury.
Winger Manu Vatuvei goes into his 15th Test seeking to continue an impressive try-scoring run this year.
With his World Cup record-equalling four tries against England last weekend, the 22-year-old has scored 22 tries in 21 top-level matches this year - 16 in 17 NRL games for the New Zealand Warriors, four in three Tests for the Kiwis and two for the All Golds against New Zealand Maori.
New Zealand are seeking a second successive win against the Tony Smith-coached side to take them into a World Cup final for the third time.

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