Burgess was man of the match for the Northern Union last weekend

Samoan-born prop Maurie Fa'asavalu is also in coach Tony Smith's 17-man squad for the game in Huddersfield.

The 18-year-old Burgess was man of the match in the Northern Union's 25-18 defeat to the All Golds last week.

"Age is not a concern. If he's good enough, he's old enough, that's the way it is for me," said Smith.

He added: "We have a lot of confidence in Sam and I am sure he will have gained a lot of confidence from his performance last week.

"And he brings a freshness to us, with his youth and enthusiasm."

As for Fa'asavalu, Smith is confident the St Helens forward will quickly win over the critics who argue he should not be playing for the Lions.

"Given time, Maurie will be taken on by the English and British people as one of their own, as they have done with many other sports," said the Australian, whose own appointment caused consternation in some circles.

"Kevin Pietersen is one of the most revered players in English sport at the moment, so hopefully something similar could happen for Maurie."

Captain Jamie Peacock moves into the second row to accommodate Burgess, who will start alongside Adrian Morley and club team-mate Terry Newton in the front row.

606: DEBATE Burgess has been outstanding all season and when Fielden predicted he would be the next big thing for GB in 2005, he was spot on MaccBull

Leeds scrum-half Rob Burrow and St Helens stand-off Leon Pryce form a new half-back partnership, while loose forward Kevin Sinfield takes over the kicking responsibilities.

There is no room in the squad for Huddersfield duo Stephen Wild and David Hodgson and St Helens back-row forward Jon Wilkin.

New Zealand will hand debuts to back rower Epalahame Lauaki and full-back Sam Perrett for the game at the Galpharm Stadium.

Lauaki, whose older brother Sione is a New Zealand rugby union international, will start on the bench.

Perrett replaces the injured Krisnan Inu in a backline that also includes Wigan's Thomas Leuluai and Bradford duo Tame Tupou and Shontayne Hape.

Leuluai starts at scrum-half, with the versatile Lance Hohaia at stand-off.

"We have spent a lot of time discussing the halves," said Kiwis coach Gary Kemble.

"With the World Cup coming up next year, we have to look at our options at half-back and stand-off.

"It was never going to be easy once Stacey Jones finished up but we have faith in Thomas and Lance providing a better combination for this Test."

Great Britain: Paul Wellens (St Helens), Ade Gardner (St Helens), Martin Gleeson (Warrington Wolves), Keith Senior (Leeds Rhinos), Gareth Raynor (Hull FC), Leon Pryce (St Helens), Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos), Adrian Morley (Warrington Wolves), Terry Newton (Bradford Bulls), Sam Burgess (Bradford Bulls) Jamie Peacock (Leeds Rhinos, captain), Gareth Ellis (Leeds Rhinos), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos)
Interchange: Maurie Fa'asavalu (St Helens), James Roby (St Helens), James Graham (St Helens), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan Warriors)