Scots to face new-look New Zealand in World Cup

New Zealand will rest several players and give a debut to Manly prop Addin Fonua-blake against Scotland in their Rugby League World Cup clash in Christchurch on Saturday.

Wigan hooker or halfback Thomas Leuluai, who won his 39th cap in the Kiwis’ opening 38-8 win over Samoa, will sit out his country’s second Group B game, along with Dallin Watene-zelezniak, Simon Mannering and Jordan Rapana, while centre Gerard Beale has been ruled out of the tournament after breaking his leg last Saturday.

Shaun Johnson will have a new half-back partner in Te Maire Martin while Jason Nightingale, Peta Hiku and Dean Whare all get starts in a reshaped back line, and Fonua-blake is set to earn his first cap off the bench.

Among seven changes made by coach David Kidwell ahead of the showdown with Tonga, Elijah Taylor will start at hooker in place of Leuluai. New Zealand Warriors reserve grader James Bell, who has made two NRL first grade appearances, will start for Scotland at loose forward after making his debut off the bench in last Sunday’s 50-4 defeat by Tonga.

In other changes, Alex Walker comes in at fullback with Lewis Tierney, pictured, switching to centre in place of Will Oakes, Danny Addy moves from scrum-half last week to hooker with Oscar Thomas in the No 7 jersey.

New Zealand will be aiming for revenge after being held to an 18-18 draw with Scotland in their last meeting in Workington last November.