New Zealand vs Great Britain – Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand vs Great Britain taking place? Saturday 9th November, 2019 – 07:00 (UK)
Where is New Zealand vs Great Britain taking place? Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
What is the expected weather for New Zealand vs Great Britain? 23c in mostly cloudy skies
What channel is New Zealand vs Great Britain on? BBC Two
Where can I stream New Zealand vs Great Britain? This game can be streamed online via the BBC Sport website and app
Where can I get tickets for New Zealand vs Great Britain? https://premier.ticketek.co.nz...
LAST MEETING
New Zealand 12-8 Great Britain
THE TEAM NEWS
NEW ZEALAND
- New Zealand did just enough to see off Great Britain as they
bounced back from their loss to Australia but will be keen to go
back-to-back against the Lions as they aim to wrap their year up on a
high.
- The Kiwis lost five-eighth Kieran Foran to a shoulder injury
last week with Shaun Johnson given an immediate reprieve after he was
dropped last week with the same applying to Brandon Smith.
- Smith was omitted for disciplinary reasons last week but take’s Jahrome Hughes’ spot in the 17 whilst Kenny Bromwich also drops out with his wife due to give birth and that means Corey Harawira-Naera will start with Kevin Proctor joining the bench.
GREAT BRITAIN
- Great Britain were poor once again as they were struggled to
create opportunities with the ball and suffered a second consecutive
loss with Wayne Bennett’s position coming under increasing scrutiny, not
least because of the style of play that the Lions have adopted.
- The Lions were hit with further injury woe as winger Ryan Hall
suffered a knee injury last week and will play no further part in the
series which means Jack Hughes will make his debut in the centres.
- Hughes will form part of an extremely makeshift backline that will involve Zak Hardaker playing on the wing and that could be a big weakness that the Kiwis will look to exploit which means the Lions will have to defend well from the middle.
THE PREDICTION
Great Britain are struggling on their first tour in 12 years and their performance in their defeat to New Zealand left a lot to be desired. They will now have to field a makeshift three-quarter line with just one recognised winger which will contribute to a game that could be a difficult watch once again. Shaun Johnson will have a point to prove after he was dropped last week and he can inspire his side to another victory.
