Tri-Nations update

New Zealand has until 3pm (AEDT) today to explain why it should not be docked its only two Tri-Nations points for fielding former Queensland Origin hooker Nathan Fien.

Mt Isa-born Fien's eligibility was brought into question after it was revealed his only ancestral link to New Zealand was through his great grandmother and not a grandparent - as dictated by tournament rules. The Rugby League International Federation will make a decision on whether to penalise the Kiwis tomorrow morning, with New Zealand facing the very real prospect of having its two competition points stripped.

NZRL chairman Selwyn Bennett yesterday backed down from his earlier threat to boycott the Kiwis' remaining match against the Brits in Wellington on Saturday week if they were stripped of any points.

Meanwhile, Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart has wrung the changes in a bid to ensure complacency won't be an issue for the Australians in Saturday night's Tri-Nations clash with Great Britain.

There are four new faces in the squad to play the Lions with Jamie Lyon, Ben Hornby and Brent Tate all named to make their first start of the tournament, while Willie Mason will return after missing Australia's last game due to concussion.

With Australia needing to win only one of its remaining two matches to secure a berth in the November 25 final, Stuart says he wants to mix things up a little bit to keep the squad on its toes. After originally being selected to make his Test debut, Melbourne prop Antonio Kaufusi was ruled out after injuring his hamstring at training, Sam Thaiday brought onto the bench as his replacement.