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Kiwis draft in Rhinos' Toopi

30/10/2007

New Zealand have included centre Clinton Toopi and prop Jeff Lima in their 20-man squad for the second Test against Great Britain this Saturday.

Leeds Rhinos back Toopi, 27, has been drafted in as cover for Bradford Bulls winger Tame Tupou, who is doubtful for the match because of a knee injury he sustained in the first Test last weekend.

As a 19-cap veteran, Toopi is part of a larger squad for the second match of the series – a selection move that has been forced upon head coach Gary Kemble because of injury problems.

Lima, who plays in the NRL for Melbourne and was dropped following the 58-0 humiliation at the hands of Australia in Wellington two weeks ago, may deputise for Epalahame Lauaki if he fails to recover from a calf strain.

Front row Fuifui Moimoi is also a doubt for Saturday's fixture at Hull's KC Stadium after sustaining jaw and neck injuries last weekend.

"We have Tame Tupou, Epalahame Lauaki and Fuifui Moimoi all recovering from injuries," said Kemble.

"They're making good progress but it's too early to make a final decision on their availability. We'll wait until later in the week before confirming our final line-up."

The touring New Zealanders are hoping to bounce back from a 20-14 defeat in the first Test at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium, in which 18-year-old GB debutant Sam Burgess scored one of three tries for the home side.

Full New Zealand squad for second Test:
S Perrett (Sydney Roosters); T Tupou (Bradford), S Hape (Bradford), P Whatuira (Huddersfield), T Tuiaki (Wests Tigers), L Hohaia (NZ Warriors), T Leuluai (Wigan); R Asotasi (South Sydney, captain), D Halatau (Wests Tigers), F Moimoi (Parramatta), S Mannering (NZ Warriors), F Pritchard (Penrith), J Smith (Melbourne), G Eastwood (Brisbane), L Anderson (Warrington), S Rapira (NZ Warriors), E Lauaki (NZ Warriors), D Faiumu (North Queensland), J Lima (Melbourne), C Toopi (Leeds).