England coach Tony Smith makes three big changes ahead of vital clash with New Zealand in Gillette Four Nations tournament

Nov 6 2009 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

ENGLAND head coach Tony Smith has made three major changes to his team ahead of tomorrow’s crucial Gillette Four Nations showdown with New Zealand.

Smith has dropped stand-off Danny McGuire, Lee Smith and Tom Briscoe.

In their place come Warrington centre Chris Bridge, St Helens’ utility man Kyle Eastmond and Hull KR winger Peter Fox.

Smith, who dropped Scott Moore and Richie Myler after the opening game, once more demonstrated a ruthless streak by axing McGuire and Smith and has adopted a bold strategy with the selection of Bridge, who was the original shock inclusion in his 24-man squad.

Fox was a surprise omission from the team that opened the tournament with a 34-12 win over France, but could not hide his delight over his recall as he celebrated his 25th birthday.

“It’s one of the best birthday presents I could ever have had,” he said.

“I’ve now got to rise to the occasion against New Zealand.”

Smith has shaken up the right side of the defence that was cut apart by Australian centre Greg Inglis in the first half at Wigan and McGuire has also paid the price for a below-par performance.

“There have been some tough decisions to leave players out,” said Smith.

“But at the same time it’s nice to give some people some opportunities.”

McGuire’s place goes to 20-year-old Eastmond, who starts an England game for the first time, while his St Helens team-mate Jon Wilkin is recalled for his first match since the World Cup.

“I’d like to see more involvement from Kyle,” said Smith.

“What he’s shown so far has been exciting and we probably need to get him a little bit closer to the action.”

The most eye-catching change is the selection of Bridge, who was a late addition to the England train-on squad after switching his allegiance from Ireland.

Bridge said: “As soon as Ireland didn’t get in the Four Nations, it was an easy decision to make.

“I changed my allegiance because I wanted to play against the best players in the world and now I get the chance to do that.”