Two years ago Nathan Fien was at the centre of the biggest scandal in international rugby league, the infamous "Granny-gate" affair, but tomorrow night the Australian-born Kiwi will be central to New Zealand's World Cup hopes after being named at halfback to play England.

Fien started the tournament at hooker, but though he wore No 9 in New Zealand's 36-24 win over England in pool play in Newcastle, was halfback for most of the match.

The man he replaced as halfback, Thomas Leuluai, holds his place in the starting lineup at hooker, with the impressive Issac Luke still judged more effective off the bench.

Four players not used against England last Saturday return for the Suncorp Stadium semifinal - captain Nathan Cayless, right wing Sam Perrett, prop Sam Rapira and second rower Sika Manu, who has recovered from his eye injury.

Defensive specialist Simon Mannering moves to right centre in place of the injured Steve Matai, while David Fa'alogo and Bronson Harrison have forced their way in after strong displays against England.

Of the players omitted, Setaimata Sa is the only surprise, though the Roosters utility hasn't recaptured his stunning club form at the tournament, perhaps troubled by a niggling shoulder injury.

"We've lost Steve [Matai], which is a blow but Simon gives us a great replacement," coach Stephen Kearney said of Mannering, who is likely to mark Keith Senior.

"He's such a reliable player, as we've seen throughout this campaign and again in last week's match against England when he was forced to move to the centres."

After delaying naming his squad till yesterday, Kearney said it had been difficult to settle on his 17.

"We've had plenty of competition for spots and that makes selection interesting but that's a good place to be in," he said. "There were some hard choices to make.

The Kiwis are prepared for England coach Tony Smith to make late changes to his side and it would surprise if James Roby didn't start at hooker.

Utility back Danny McGuire and wing Ade Gardner were surprise omissions from England's 19-man squad but may still play.

THE LINEUP:

Kiwis: Lance Hohaia, Sam Perrett, Simon Mannering, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Benji Marshall, Nathan Fien, Nathan Cayless (c), Thomas Leuluai, Adam Blair, Sika Manu, David Fa'alogo, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Issac Luke, Greg Eastwood, Bronson Harrison, Sam Rapira.

England (TBC): Paul Wellens, Mark Calderwood, Martin Gleeson, Keith Senior, Lee Smith, Leon Pryce, Rob Burrow, Adrian Morley, Mickey Higham, Jamie Peacock (c), Gareth Ellis, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Rob Purdham. Interchange (from): James Graham, Ben Westwood, James Roby, Kevin Sinfield, Jon Wilkin, Gareth Hock.