Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney has named an unchanged line-up to face Australia in the rugby league World Cup final in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Kearney has also retained the same starting 13 who began the 32-22 defeat of England last weekend.

It means second rower Bronson Harrison, a late addition to the run-on side against England after having initially been named as a substitute, has kept his spot, with Sika Manu on the bench.

Halfback Nathan Fien, man of the match in both of the Kiwis’ matches since his switch from hooker, retains the No.7 jersey.

Thomas Leuluai, who began the tournament at halfback, will again be the starting hooker, after producing his best perform ance of the World Cup in the semi-final.

New Zealand: Lance Hohaia, Sam Perrett, Simon Mannering, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Benji Marshall, Nathan Fien, Nathan Cayless (captain), Thomas Leuluai, Adam Blair, Bronson Harrison, David Fa’alogo, Jeremy Smith.

Interchange – Issac Luke, Greg Eastwood, Sam Rapira, Sika Manu.