Kiwis bring back duo for Samoa

New Zealand have recalled two players from the international wilderness for Saturday's Test against Samoa, with a view to playing them in the Four Nations opener against England a week later.

Sydney Roosters centre Shaun Kenny-Dowell played his only Test in 2007 while St George loose forward Jeremy Smith's last cap was in the World Cup final win over Australia the year after.

Two British-based players will start against Samoa in Auckland – Wigan's Tommy Leuluai at scrum-half and Greg Eastwood, who has just left Leeds, at prop.