New Zealand vs Great Britain – Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand vs Great Britain taking place? Saturday 2nd November, 2019 – 04:00 (UK)
Where is New Zealand vs Great Britain taking place? Eden Park, Auckland
What is the expected weather for New Zealand vs Great Britain? 16c in sunny 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
Great Britain 28-22 New Zealand
THE TEAM NEWS
NEW ZEALAND
- New Zealand were outclassed by Australia last week and will need to show a lot more in this contest with Great Britain as they attempt to get back to winning ways after some inconsistent performances over the last two years.
- The Kiwis have made a shock change in the
halves with Shaun Johnson dropped in favour of Kieran Foran who will
play alongside Benji Marshall with Foran making his first appearance for
his country in two years.
- Joseph Tapine was banned last week but he will come into the side to start at lock as Adam Blair moves to the bench and Braden Hamlin-Uele drops out while Zane Tetevano will start at prop with Lesson Ah Mau coming off the bench.
GREAT BRITAIN
- Great Britain were poor as their first Test in 12 years ended in defeat against a Tongan Invitational XIII outfit that overpowered them and they will need to be much better up front this week against what is bound to be another physical contest.
- Oliver Gildart will miss the rest of the tour with a shoulder injury whilst the Lions will also be without Luke Thompson for this game after he was forced off early on against Tonga with a rib problem but there is hope he can play a further part in the series.
- Jonny Lomax will start at fullback in place of Lachlan Coote who was disappointing last week whilst Jake Connor will replace Gildart in the centres with Daryl Clark and Joe Philbin new faces on the bench.
THE PREDICTION
Neither of these teams played well enough to pick up wins in their respective matches last week but should both improve on the back of that hit out. New Zealand will be a difficult proposition to beat on home soil in what is set to be a low-scoring contest with both teams needing to be clinical with the ball. A new halves pairing for the Kiwis may prove to be the difference this week and this could be another disappointing outing for the Lions.
