Peacock, Graham and Ellis give McNamara cause for concern

Captain Jamie Peacock is among the injury concerns. The Leeds Rhinos prop is awaiting the results of a knee scan before team selection is made for the big clash in Hull.

Forwards James Graham and Gareth Ellis are also being monitored after suffering back spasms during a physical encounter with Australia at Wembley on Saturday, which ended in a 36-20 defeat for the home side.

McNamara will be desperate to have his senior forwards playing in what is essentially a semi-final to face Australia in the final a week later at Elland Road.

England and New Zealand have both beaten Wales comprehensively and lost to Australia by similar margins, meaning Saturday is an all-or-nothing encounter.

The Kiwis have injury problems of their own to contend with.

Front-rower Sam McKendry has undergone surgery for the broken jaw he suffered from a high tackle by Wales prop Craig Kopczak at the weekend.

They are also hopeful that Fuifui Moimoi will recover from an ankle injury in time after only playing six minutes against Wales.

He was the only player not to train with the squad today and will be assesed again before the game.

Australia are also counting their numbers after the weekend.

Hooker Robbie Farah has withdrawn from the tour after being informed of an illness in the family and has returned back to Australia.

Tony Williams is facing a suspension after he was charged with a high tackle on England’s Ben Westwood.

Known as ‘T-Rex’ for his size and power, Williams was put on report after the tackle which the fourth official deemed to be ‘off the shoulder’, however after a review of the incident it is clear the hit was high and he will be banned for the game with Wales.

That leaves the Kangaroos’ squad down to just 21 players having lost International Player of the Year Billy Slater for the tournament.

The full-back sustained a fractured collerbone in a vain attempt to stop England’s Ryan Hall superbly touching down at Wembley.

Wales are likely to be without Craig Kopczak after being charged for his tackle on Sam McKendry for the game at Wrexham on Sunday.

Kopczak has decided to contest the charge of making a dangerous shoulder charge on the New Zealander.

After a number of contentious decisions during the tournament, all eyes will be on the performances of the referees this weekend.

Super League Grand Final official Phil Bentham will take charge of Australia versus Wales and NRL’s Matt Cecchin oversees England versus New Zealand at the KC stadium.