Moses wins No.7 race as new-look Aussie team confirmed

Mitchell Moses has been confirmed as the Kangaroos’ No.7 halfback for Thursday night’s World Cup opener against New Zealand after coach Kevin Walters sidelined incumbent playmaker Nathan Cleary with a horror leg injury. Moses, who fought it out with Sam Walker and Tom Dearden for the jumper, will partner Cameron Munster in the halves at Allianz Stadium (8.05pm). Reece Walsh is set at fullback, while Clive Churchill Medallist James Tedesco will miss this match. On the Kiwis side, Kalyn Ponga makes his debut at fullback, with Jahrome Hughes and Kodi Nikorima as playmakers, with Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris among the starters.