Great Britain coach Andy Goodway has defended his decision to go into tomorrow's Tri-Nations match against New Zealand with just two specialist props.

Injury to Bradford Bulls front rower Paul Anderson forced Goodway into shuffling his pack but, instead of giving 20-year-old Stuart Fielden his debut, the coach has opted to use second rowers Adrian Morley and Chris Joynt as back-up to Barrie McDermott and Dale Laughton.

Kiwi boss Frank Endacott said he would have included five props in a 24-strong tour party and was surprised that St Helens half-back Sean Long is not in the starting line-up.

Goodway, whose hangdog expression reflects his side's beleaguered plight as they seek a 20-point victory over the Kiwis, was on the defensive. "Our pack is equally as big as theirs," he insisted. "We are more than happy with our side. We have looked at this game differently, we have picked the 17 for a reason."

Despite losing five and drawing one of the last six meetings Britain captain Andy Farrell believes the teams are evenly matched and insists his players can take heart from the first half against Australia.

"We've got beaten by them in the last two series but there is not that much difference. It all comes down to the day. We know we can beat them," he said.

Endacott too has warned it would be folly to write off the Lions. "In the first half against Australia, I thought they looked the better side. I was surprised at the way they fell away but they'll be better prepared this week."

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