Te Maire Martin relishes opportunity

The Kiwis have reshaped their backline for their Rugby League World Cup pool clash with Scotland on Saturday.

Shaun Johnson's new halves partner wants Saturday to come around sooner.

Te Maire Martin will wear six on his back as New Zealand reshapes its backline ahead of the clash against Scotland this Saturday, following the 38-8 win over Samoa.

The 22-year-old from Tokoroa will be playing his second test and can't wait for the opportunity, after coach David Kidwell opted not to play Kodi Nikorima.

"It will be a dream come true," Martin said of the chance to play with Johnson in the halves.

"Everything that has happened in the second half of this year has been a bonus."

One of the changes in the backs has come about due to the nasty leg injury to centre Gerard Beale, who was forced off the field in the second half of the Samoa match.

Jason Nightingale, Peta Hiku and Dean Whare all get starts, while Addin Fonua-Blake is set to earn his first Kiwis cap coming off the bench.

In the forwards, Kenny Bromwich is fit and rearing to go in the back row, while Elijah Taylor will start at hooker.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Russell Packer and Danny Levi will again provide spark off the bench.

Thomas Leuluai and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are 18th and 19th men and Simon Mannering and Jordan Rapana have been rested.

Scotland lost its World Cup opener 50-4 to Tonga in Cairns.

The Kiwis to face Scotland: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jason Nightingale, Dean Whare, Brad Takarangi, Peta Hiku, Te Maire Martin, Shaun Johnson, Martin Taupau, Elijah Taylor, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Kenny Bromwich, Joseph Tapine, Adam Blair (captain). Interchange: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Russell Packer, Addin Fonua-Blake, Danny Levi, Thomas Leuluai, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Simon Mannering, Jordan Rapana.


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Source: AAP


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