Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will toss up the advantages of continuity with the temptation to tinker along with his facet for his or her New Zealand Pacific Championships rematch.
Australia beat Tonga 18-0 on Friday, the coach forgiving some rust and any NRL grand closing hangovers and as an alternative lauding their defensive angle in a dogged Brisbane win.
It meant Tongan goals of back-to-back wins over the world champions evaporated, with try-scoring centres Tom Trbojevic and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow starring.
New halves pairing Tom Dearden and Mitch Moses warmed into the roles, the previous ending with a solo attempt within the closing seconds.
4 others debuted, wingers Xavier Coates and Zac Lomax strong with out boasting any stand-out moments whereas Mitch Barnett and Hudson Younger helped nullify the hulking Tongan pack.
Meninga left utility Ben Hunt out of the facet, deciding on Matt Burton as an alternative as cowl for Trbojevic, who defied a lingering shoulder grievance to play.
It meant hooker Harry Grant had no apparent back-up, ahead Reuben Cotter spending a while at dummy-half when a noticeably fatigued Grant was given a second-half breather.
NSW hooker Reece Robson can be within the squad and hoping for a debut within the collection.
New Zealand flogged Australia 30-0 when the edges met final November and Meninga mentioned he had some “powerful selections to make”.
“It’s such a brand new group … we’ll give some critical consideration about taking part in once more and having a little bit of continuity,” the coach mentioned.
“We’ll see how everybody pulls up. The blokes who’ve missed out have been coaching very well and been terrific across the camp.”
Australia’s defence happy Meninga most and the coach will take confidence from that to New Zealand subsequent Sunday.
“We attempt to not get too carried away,” he mentioned of the hype behind the competition. “Emotion is an effective factor, however it’s obtained to be managed.
“Defence, that’s round attitudinal issues and selections you make.
“I’m actually pleased with that, so we transfer on and attempt to play higher footy.”
© AAP
