Smith to make Test debut for injury-hit New Zealand

New Zealand will end their European tour with 17 fit players when they face France in Perpignan today. Injuries and other departures have reduced the Kiwis to the bare minimum and that means Test debuts for Castleford's Michael Smith and Jason Cayless of the Sydney Roosters in their pack.

Robbie Paul, who missed the third Test defeat to Great Britain last weekend with a gashed leg, returns in the unfamiliar position of hooker as the tour finishes in the sort of disarray which is sure to see questions asked.

The strength of the amateur game on Humberside is evident in today's TXU Energi Challenge Cup first-round ties as seven Hull clubs set out on a road that could bring them up against Super League opposition. The National Conference champions, West Hull, who reached the fifth round in 1996, are involved in the best tie at Leigh Miners Rangers, while Hull Dockers play the Army.

Also tomorrow, the all-conquering Combined Australian Schools play their second Test against the best of Britain's young amateurs at Barrow. Having lost 44-4 in the first at Widnes on Thursday, the Young Lions have retained just five players for the re-match.

The Rugby League will only permit a side outside Super League to play Sydney Roosters in a warm-up game before their World Club Championship against St Helens in February.