Experienced duo rested by Kiwis

Coach David Kidwell is unashamedly rotating his Kiwis squad for Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup clash with Scotland with veterans Simon Mannering and Thomas Leuluai getting a rest.

While Kidwell is adamant the Kiwis won’t take Scotland lightly, he admits it is time to spell some senior foot soldiers and has made seven changes to his 17-man squad.

Te Maire Martin will make his first test start at standoff for Kodi Nikorima with Kidwell saying the Brisbane Broncos back was ‘‘carrying a bit of an injury - with his buttocks’’.

Most of the other changes were preplanned as the Kiwis have one eye on their crucial pool play game against Jason Taumalolo’s Tonga and the playoffs beyond.

Mannering and Leuluai have 82 caps between them and, without them, skipper Adam Blair (42 caps) is the only survivor from the Kiwis’ World Cup final victory in 2008.

Kidwell said he wanted to freshen up his experienced men. ‘‘There’s only one thing you can’t control - your age.

‘‘We’ve got an opportunity ... we have guys who are 100 per cent fit and who are younger.

‘‘It was always my plan to give these a guys a go because we didn’t have a trial game. [The new players] are keen as mustard.

‘‘We need those experienced players as the tournament goes on. It’s a great time to give them a rest and keep them fresh and get behind the young guys.’’

The veteran pair’s absence will test the Kiwis’ depth and their defensive setup. Mannering is invariably one of the top tacklers - he made 25 last week - while Wigan Warrior Leuluai is one of the chief communicators from dummy half.

Elijah Taylor - a backrower at Wests Tigers - takes over from Leuluai at hooker, with rookie Danny Levi - a debutant last week - still in reserve.

Kidwell said he did not see Taylor as ‘‘a specialist hooker’’, but he had played there before and had all the attributes, while Levi would add his pace from the interchange bench.

Mannering’s second row slot has been taken by Melbourne Storm utility Kenny Bromwich, who missed the 38-8 win over Samoa with a slight groin strain.

He will play alongside Joseph Tapine, who stood out against Samoa with a teamhigh 35 tackles, with Blair - a prop at the Broncos - remaining at loose forward.

Jason Nightingale, the Kiwis’ most experienced back with 32 caps, will start on one wing with Warriors recruit Peta Hiku on the other flank and Dean Whare at centre for the injured Gerard Beale.

Addin Fonua-Blake, the 21-year-old Australian born Manly Sea Eagles prop, is set to earn his first cap for the Kiwis coming off the bench.