Bennett’s wounded Lions wing it
Injuries have forced Great Britain coach Wayne Bennett to make a shock selection on the wing for their test against the Kiwis in Christchurch tonight.
Halfback Blake Austin was a late addition to the starting side for the test at Orangetheory Stadium, replacing Zak Hardaker who succumbed to a shoulder injury.
It will be a test debut for the former Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders half, who has often been called on to fill positions across the park. However, most known for his work in the halves or in the second row, Bennett said he didn’t sound out Austin about when he last played on the wing.
“I did not bother asking him that question. I didn’t want the answer to it, so I didn’t ask it,” Bennett said.
“Blake has been wonderful, he has accepted the challenge, wants to play, and is as keen as. He is a footballer and one of those blokes who can play in any position, so I am confident, he is confident and the team is confident.
“He has done everything right in training. It’s a good challenge; it is not something I’m worried about.”
Leeds winger Ash Handley was called into the squad due to the injury to Hardaker but would not arrive until after tonight’s game.
Austin had been overlooked in the team’s losses to Tonga and the Kiwis in the past two weeks, with Jackson Hastings and Gareth Widdop holding down the roles in the halves.
The side has suffered two close defeats on their tour, conceding fewer than 16 points in both matches.
“We’re building for the future,” said hooker Josh Hodgson. “The sign of a good team is being a good defensive team. You see all the best teams that win competitions are always a good defensive side.
“We’re not leaking too many points. There’s a bit of tweaking we need to do on attack to get some things right and execute a bit better but our foundations in terms of our defence have been good. We haven’t been blown away by anybody.”