Tony has been playing fullback and wing for Hull, he's like a headless chicken in the halves so I wouldn't put him there. If Vagana is suspended, I'd either promote Jeremy Smith from NZ A or put Solomona at five eighth. If Solomona played 6, I'd bring Bronson Harrison (who reportedly had a brilliant game) onto the Kiwi bench. Tony Puletua is another option.
With Hohaia gone, Louis Anderson should move to hooker, and I'd promote Koopu from the NZ A team straight into lock - Koopu is a workhouse who will make a lot of tackles and cart the ball up, and the Kiwis need another player like that. Faiumu can continue his role as an impact player.
I wouldn't fly any more UK based players (like Vainikolo or Hape) over for the Auckland game. Retaining a winning Kiwi team will show faith in them and build combinations.Also, letting the Leeds/Bradford players rest after the GF and a long SL/CC campaign will help, avoid jet lag and freshen up or the UK games.
With Tahu out, Tate to wing, Cooper to Centre is a simple, logical shift. I'd drop Waterhouse or Ryan from the test team. This game showed beyond all doubt that if you have no cover for the outside backs, you will suffer in case of injury. The bench could NOT cover the centres, with Waterhouse exposed repeatedly in defence.
Ben Creagh has to come onto the bench for his ability to cover the 3/4s and back row. Mason's injury is problematic because he can better cover prop/second row than Ryan, whose inability to cover prop is a problem. Perhaps O'Meley for Ryan, with Civo/Price as second row cover?
Anyone calling for Barrett to replace Lockyer in the team should be reminded that he was just outplayed by Parramatta's reserve grade five eighth playing out of position - enough said.
