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Last Updated: Monday, 5 November 2007, 19:53 GMT
Humbled Kiwis hold crisis talks
Roy Asotasi
Asotasi has been unable to inspire his side in this Test series
New Zealand's rugby league team have held clear-the-air talks in the wake of their thrashing by Great Britain.

Captain Roy Asotasi brought his Kiwi players together behind closed doors to thrash out their problems after Saturday's 44-0 defeat.

"The players have had a good sit down and held a think-tank between them all," revealed head coach Gary Kemble.

"They let themselves down, they know that. They thought that their attitude wasn't good on the field."

Kemble has presided over three losses in three matches under his charge but said that his players accepted the blame for the record defeat and delivered a vote of confidence in the coaching and management team.

"It was something they wanted to do and they came back with the feedback to us.

"Roy and the core players have put their full backing to the coaching and management team. We're a close-knit unit. We have to stay tight and that's what they want to do."

Great Britain clinched their first series victory in 14 years with an eight-try rout against the Kiwis at the KC Stadium in Hull.
606: DEBATE
RLNUMBER1

Going into the third 'dead rubber' Test at the JJB Stadium on Saturday, Kemble looks certain to wield the axe.

Wigan scrum-half Thomas Leuluai is doubtful after sustaining a dead leg but winger Tame Tupou (knee) and forward Epalahame Lauaki (calf) were back in training after sitting out the defeat at Hull.

Forward Jeff Lima and stand-off Ben Roberts look likely to win recalls while teenagers Chase Stanley and Shaun Kenny-Dowall could be handed their Test debuts.

Great Britain have no injury worries. Coach Tony Smith has confirmed that hooker James Roby will be back in contention after missing the second Test to be with his wife and newly-born son.

Smith says that he could blood new players in the third Test but captain Jamie Peacock and the rest of the team were keen to complete a whitewash.

"I reckon it would be tough to keep him out," said Smith. "I'd probably have to tie him down for him not to run out there on Saturday night.

"There's a strong desire from them all to play, which is great. That's the way you'd want it. They've all expressed a desire to be part of this final match.

"There are players that have been involved with Great Britain for a long time and probably haven't had the chance to be there at the end of a successful campaign."

SEE ALSO
Senior hints at ending GB career
04 Nov 07 |  Rugby League
Lions coach revels in stylish win
03 Nov 07 |  Rugby League
Great Britain 44-0 New Zealand
03 Nov 07 |  Rugby League
Toopi returns to New Zealand team
01 Nov 07 |  Rugby League
Clarke handed Great Britain debut
01 Nov 07 |  Rugby League


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