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Kiwis chase first World Cup win against Cook Islands

World Cup

Kiwis chase first World Cup win

New Zealand play the Cook Islands in Christchurch today in the Rugby League World Cup.

Game

Sunday in Christchurch

Kickoff is 6:05 in the evening local time at One NZ Stadium, or 10:05 in the morning PKT.

Double header

A double header day

The Kiwi Ferns play France first at 4 in the afternoon local time at the same stadium.

Stakes

Both teams lost openers

New Zealand lost 24-22 to Australia, while Fiji beat the Cook Islands 40-12.

Team news

Six changes for the Kiwis

Coach Stacey Jones made six changes after the opening loss to Australia.

Fullback

Kini gets his chance

Keano Kini moves to fullback after Kalyn Ponga left the opener with an arm injury.

Debut

Two debutants on the bench

Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith make their Test debuts from the bench today.

Story

The CNK story

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad first played for the Cook Islands in 2015, then switched to New Zealand.

Quote

I love both my nations

Nicoll-Klokstad said the game means a lot to his family, especially his mum.

Opponents

Cook Islands danger men

Valentine Holmes starts at fullback, with KL Iro in the centres and Anthony Milford in the second row.

Next

What happens next

New Zealand play Fiji next, while the Cook Islands face Australia in their next game.

Full story

Read the full explainer on Rive News

Kickoff times, team news, and what a win means, in simple words.

Sports

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Get the full breakdown, key numbers, and what happens next.

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