Johnson back in Kiwis against Great Britain
HALFBACK Shaun Johnson, this week recalled to the Kiwis test side, says he is not chasing redemption in the second rugby league test against Great Britain in Christchurch tonight.
Johnson was dropped after New Zealand’s 264 loss to Australia last month, and replaced by Kieran Foran who was making his first appearance for the Kiwis since May 2017.
However, Foran dislocated his shoulder six minutes into the first test against Great Britain at Eden Park, paving the way for Johnson’s return in Christchurch.
The 29yearold standoff says he knows his performance against Australia was not good enough, and the message from coach Michael Maguire had been simple.
If you didn’t play rubbish you stayed in the team.
‘‘It’s pretty simple really,’’ Johnson said.
‘‘We’ve got certain standards around our footy side and I didn’t meet those in the Australian game. I understood that, came out and worked hard last week.’’
Foran’s injury had hit the team hard.
‘‘It’s a massive blow for Foz, and the Kiwis as well. I was gutted for him.
‘‘Seeing the journey he’s been on, the amount of resilience he’s shown to get himself in a position to represent our country again.
‘‘But I’m confident he’s going to bounce back.’’
Johnson said the New Zealanders were focused on improving from their 128 win over the Lions in Auckland last Sunday.
‘‘It was a dogfight, and coming off how we played against Australia, it probably couldn’t have been any better for us to have a win like that — just a real gritty win.’’
Johnson said that apart from skipper Roger TuivasaSheck’s ‘‘freakish’’ effort in setting up the Kiwis’ only try, there had been no flash or brilliance in the win.
‘‘It was just tough moments, and that’s what ended up getting us the result.
‘‘We know they’re going to be desperate this weekend so they’ll be ready to go, but it’s important for us to finish the year off well.’’