If England approach their must-win match against New Zealand as boldly as Tony Smith has his team selection for tomorrow’s Gillette Four Nations fixture in Huddersfield, they may yet upset the World Cup holders and qualify for the final.

Kyle Eastmond, of St Helens, who makes his full England debut, and Sam Tomkins, of Wigan Warriors, both 20, form one of the least experienced international half-back combinations in recent memory. But their refreshing naivety, including an exciting cameo by Eastmond off the bench, without doubt unsettled Australia in the second half of Saturday’s 26-16 defeat by the Kangaroos.

Smith wants Eastmond closer to the action after he filled in at right centre, where Chris Bridge, who informed Smith, his club coach at Warrington Wolves, of his decision to switch allegiance from Ireland only two months ago, takes over from Lee Smith, who has been dropped along with Danny McGuire, his Leeds Rhinos team-mate.

It was when Tony Smith first arrived in the British game at Huddersfield Giants nine years ago that he identified Bridge as the most talented youngster at the club, but long-term injuries and indiscipline off the pitch have blighted the 25-year-old’s career, until the coach’s arrival this season at Warrington, and the chance offered him at centre by Martin Gleeson’s move to Wigan. “Chris probably hasn’t lived up to some of those early expectations,” said Smith, who learnt of Bridge’s desire to represent England only when conducting his postseason review at Warrington.

“He’s shown glimpses throughout, but had injuries and other issues. He’s matured now and come through and shown some consistency.”

Bridge will combine with Michael Shenton in the centre, opposite the predatory Junior Sa’u for New Zealand, who has a new centre partner in Kieran Foran, 19, a surprise choice for the injured Steve Matai, after Stephen Kearney, the coach, decided against switching the St Helens-bound Iosia Soliola from the second row.

Peter Fox replaces Tom Briscoe on England’s right wing. The Hull teenager had leapfrogged the Hull Kingston Rovers player in the pecking order, but after being overlooked for the France and Australia games, Fox was delighted at his recall.

“His reaction probably made the difference,” Smith said. “Like all of them, he’s been very professional about it, but didn’t let his disappointment have any influence on the rest of the squad; he gets his opportunity now.”

Fox’s inclusion is part of a new right-side defence that was horribly exposed by Australia when they were scoring all five of their tries in the first half at Wigan. Jon Wilkin, of St Helens, is recalled for his first match since last year’s World Cup, in which the Kiwis twice beat England.

England: S Briscoe; P Fox, C Bridge, M Shenton, R Hall; S Tomkins, K Eastmond; A Morley, J Roby, J Graham, J Peacock (captain), G Ellis, K Sinfield. Interchange: S Burgess, E Crabtree, B Westwood, J Wilkin.

New Zealand: L Hohaia; S Perrett, K Foran, J Sa’u, B Goodwin; B Marshall (captain), N Fien; F-P Nuuausala, T Leuluai, F Moimoi, I Soliola, F Pritchard, A Blair. Interchange: I Luke, J Lima, B Matulino, J Waerea-Hargreaves.