Johnson dropped from Kiwis

AUCKLAND: New Zealand coach Michael Maguire has axed playmaker Shaun Johnson in favour of Kieran Foran for Saturday’s test against Great Britain.

Johnson is one of two changes to the side that was pummelled by Australia last Friday, with Joseph Tapine replacing Braden HamlinUele for the Auckland clash.

The decision comes a week after the Kiwis slumped to their worst defeat under Maguire who took charge midway through last year.

Johnson was heavily criticised after the loss.

‘‘We’ve got pretty high standards here at the moment and we’re looking for consistency all the time,’’ Maguire said yesterday of the call to drop Johnson.

‘‘I’ve had a senior group talk about that since my arrival in the job and I think they all under

stand that.’’

It is believed to be the first time Johnson has been dropped from the Kiwis since making his international debut seven years ago.

‘‘I had a really good, long conversation with him,’’ Maguire said.

‘‘I’ve been able to build a strong relationship with Shaun about his game. And he understands that consistency is a big part of playing at this level, and at all

levels, even at your club. It’s something he’s got to work hard at.’’

Foran’s recall comes over two years since his last appearance in the blackandwhite jumper in the midyear test loss to Australia in 2017.

Zane Tetevano starts in place of Leeson Ah Mau, while Tapine’s inclusion forces Blair, who will become the ninth player to tally 50 tests, to the bench. — AAP