Crabtree shunned for Kiwis Test

Without the sidelined Jamie Peacock and Adrian Morley, a fit and healthy Crabtree must have thought he would be nailed on for a spot especially given his typically destructive impact off the bench against New Zealand Maori last weekend.

The tallest player in Super League seemed to have secured his place, carrying on from his impressive international bow in last year's tournament, but has effectively been felled by Huddersfield colleague Darrell Griffin, who completes a remarkable ascent.

McNamara – a former Giants team-mate of Crabtree – is heartened by the sight of new captain James Graham lining up alongside Wigan's Stuart Fielden, the former Bradford Bulls prop who ends a four-year international exile, in his starting line-up and has opted for Griffin, who only made his debut in the 18-18 draw against the Maori, on the bench.

The ex-Wakefield man, 29, has enjoyed an excellent season at the Galpharm but was still a surprise to make the touring party let alone oust Crabtree, who has the ability to turn games with his off-load skill and sheer size.

McNamara may feel Griffin's tougher and more durable character will be more useful against the world champions' powerful pack especially given the absence of Morley's and Peacock's tireless work ethic.

"We have a couple of other players who are ready to play at prop as well so we're very fortunate in that area," he said, with second-rows Sam Burgess and Ben Westwood capable of stepping up. "I think we also have a lot of talent in our backs. Ryan Hall's absence gives Darrell Goulding his first opportunity at this level and I think he's going to go well."

One decision taken out of the coach's hands was that of Hall, the Leeds winger who failed to overcome a hamstring problem suffered in training.

Untried Huddersfield three-quarter Leroy Cudjoe was in the reckoning but McNamara has chosen instead to hand a debut to Wigan's Goulding, the unspectacular but hugely efficient 22-year-old who scored 29 tries this season including one in their Grand Final win.

McNamara added: "Darrell is a very talented young player who has been playing in a winning team, which in itself breeds confidence. He thoroughly deserves his place."

England can ill-afford a repeat of the second-half let-down of last week when they surrendered an 18-0 lead to the Maori although their preparation has been much improved with no jetlag to concern them and a full training schedule allowed.

They overturned New Zealand 20-12 at Huddersfield last year to reach the Four Nations final but face a far different proposition in Wellington, with the Kiwis in a much stronger position and picking almost from full strength.

England have been made third favourites behind Stephen Kearney's men and champions Australia but McNamara remains confident they can cause an upset in his first tournament in charge.

"Coming 12,000 miles and playing on this side of the world against two high-quality international sides, I can see the thinking behind that," he said.

However, he has been bolstered by the input of someone already in situ – veteran Australian coach Brian Smith who has provided a valuable insight into the opposition given his role as chief of NRL Grand Finalists Sydney Roosters.

"Brian has been really good for us," said McNamara.

"He's obviously got a wealth of experience and knows the NRL inside out, the individuals and the systems.

"He's been fantastic for our group of players and staff."

In addition to receiving inside information on the players, McNamara is hoping his mentor can offer an insight into the performance of Australian referee Tony Archer, who will be in charge of tomorrow's game.

England v New Zealand (Westpac Stadium, Wellington): G Widdop (Melbourne); D Goulding (Wigan), M Shenton (Castleford), R Atkins (Warrington), T Briscoe (Hull); K Brown (Huddersfield), S Tomkins (Wigan); S Fielden (Wigan), J Roby (St Helens), J Graham (St Helens, capt), G Ellis (Wests Tigers), S Burgess (South Sydney), S O'Loughlin (Wigan).

Substitutes (from): L Robinson (Huddersfield), D Griffin (Huddersfield), B Westwood (Warrington), J Tomkins (Wigan).

n Schofield looks back fondly to 1990: Page 20.