New Zealand v Tonga
Vale: Terry Hill
12 hours ago | National Rugby League
New Zealand v Tonga preview
Kiwis eye payback in Oceania Cup
Two years after meeting in one of the defining test matches of recent history, New Zealand will be out to strike back against Tonga in a highly anticipated clash in Auckland.
Facing off for the sixth time since first meeting during the 1995 World Cup, the last time the two nations met saw Tonga announce themselves as an emerging international powerhouse with a 28-22 comeback win, spearheaded by a number of former Kiwis, including the game's premier forward, Jason Taumalolo.
Lining up for their first international appearance since last November's disappointing tour of England, New Zealand coach Michael Maguire will be looking to build upon the glimpses of promise shown during his first year at the helm that saw the Kiwis manage a single win from four clashes opposite England, along with an inspired showing to defeat Australia in a stand-alone end-of-season test.
Retaining 12 members of the squad that played in the Northern Hemisphere during last year's Baskerville Shield, Briton Nikora and Jahrome Hughes will make their debuts with Zane Tetevano named at 18th man, while veteran playmaker Benji Marshall will make his first appearance at international level since the ANZAC test seven years ago.
Naming a 19-man squad for the Oceania Cup fixture, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will start at fullback with captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak shifting to the wing, while Hughes has beaten out fellow recalled veteran Kieran Foran for the utility role off the bench.
Building upon their semi final finish at the World Cup with a victory over Samoa and a loss to Australia in 2018, Tonga will be eager to continue their rise throughout the international arena by blooding several rookies to ensure continued success beyond the current crop of trailblazers.
Selecting four debutants including Manase Fainu - the subject of an international tussle between Tonga, New Zealand and Australia for his services - coach Kristian Woolf has been able to retain 12 members from the team beaten 34-16 last October by Australia.
Originally naming Andrew Fifita in the front row, the Cronulla prop will miss the next three weeks after failing to have a dangerous contact charge downgraded at the judiciary. As a result, in-form South Sydney prop Tevita Tatola comes into the side in jersey 19.
Fielding one of the most intimidating forward packs ever assembled, along with a backline stacked with former Australian and New Zealand representatives, the new-look halves pairing of English-based halfback Tuimoala Lolohea and former Samoan international John Asiata will play a pivotal role in Tonga's bid to come away with an upset victory.
With veteran enforcer Sika Manu deciding to retire from international football at the end of last season, William Hopoate and Jason Taumalolo have been named as joint captains for the second time following last year's mid-season victory over Samoa at Campbelltown.
Last meeting: Rugby League World Cup 2017, Group B Pool Match - New Zealand 22 Tonga 28
Who to watch: Making a series of eye-catching displays for the Kiwis at the end of last season, New Zealand hooker Brandon Smith will relish the opportunity to play in his preferred position on the international stage. Forced to ply his trade off the bench at Melbourne due to the presence of his namesake, Cameron Smith, the 23-year-old was among the best performers for the Kiwis in tests against Australia and England last year, with his trademark energy creating plenty of space for his halves to cause havoc across the park. Set to form a potent spine combination alongside some of New Zealand's finest players, expect Smith to produce a performance beyond his years to give the Kiwis the best possible chance of finishing ahead on the scoreboard.
Returning to the Southern Hemisphere after being granted a release to represent Tonga in Saturday's test, Tuimoala Lolohea shapes as the player most likely to determine whether the emerging powerhouse can cause an upset. Playing with the Leeds Rhinos in Super League after being unable to cement a permanent position with the Warriors and Tigers across five seasons in the NRL, the 24-year-old playmaker boasts a particular skillset capable of bringing out the best in his teammates. As the only player in the Tongan squad with experience at international level in the halves, a strong performance from Lolohea, particularly in the way he manages the match with his kicking game, will go a long way towards enabling the likes of Taumalolo to make the impact needed for Tonga to record their first win at Mt Smart Stadium.
The favourite: Despite being slightly outclassed in the forwards, the New Zealand playmakers and outside backs have the Kiwis favoured to come away with a victory on home soil.
My tip: As was the case when the two sides met in Hamilton during their last encounter, expect the lead to change several times before a moment of individual brilliance from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck propels the Kiwis to a well-earned win. New Zealand by 10.
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Ken Maumalo 3. Esan Marsters 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Benji Marshall 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 10. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 11. Kenneath Bromwich 12. Briton Nikora 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jahrome Hughes 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. James Fisher-Harris
1. Will Hopoate 2. David Fusitua 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Solomone Kata 5. Daniel Tupou 6. John Asiata 7. Tuimoala Lolohea 15. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Siliva Havili 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Tevita Pangai Junior 12. Manu Ma'u 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Manase Fainu 19. Tevita Tatola 16. Peni Terepo 17. Sitili Tupouniua
Referees: Ben Cummins; Sideline Officials: Chris Sutton, Chris McMillan; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy;