The team lists are in for the semi-finals at the men’s Rugby League World Cup, with Kevin Walters making a few big selection calls as he named his Kangaroos side to take on Samoa.

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Elsewhere, Kalyn Ponga is a chance of making a miraculous return for New Zealand as the Kiwis prepare to play the might of Tonga.

Read on for the team lists ahead of this week’s semi-finals.

NEW ZEALAND vs TONGA

Saturday 7th November, 8.05pm @ McDonald Jones Stadium

NZ’s team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Dane Gagai 4. Casey McLean 5. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. James Fisher-Harris (c) 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Moses Leota 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Briton Nikora 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Erin Clark 17. Xavier Willison 18. Scott Sorensen 19. Leo Thompson 20. Tanner Stowers-Smith 21. Kalyn Ponga 22. Phoenix Crossland

Analysis: All the talk was that Kalyn Ponga would make a rapid return from his broken arm and he is certainly every chance of doing so on Saturday. New Zealand is going to keep Tonga guessing though after naming Ponga on the extended bench. He trained at fullback on Tuesday which seems to suggest Ponga will line up on Saturday, but the Kiwis have a more than capable back-up in Keano Kini if needed. Should Ponga return, Kini would push back to the bench where he would offer some X-factor and speed around the ruck to combat Tonga’s monster forward pack. Elsewhere, Phoenix Crossland (suspension) is an option to see his first playing time of the World Cup after being called into the squad for the injured Jacob Laban. As expected, the dependable Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad gets the nod on the wing in place of the suspended Ronaldo Mulitalo.

Tonga survive late Samoa fightback | 03:04

Tonga’s team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Robert Toia 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Salesi Foketi 10. Jason Taumalolo (c) 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Siua Wong 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Soni Luke 15. Stefano Utoikamanu 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Taniela Paseka 18. Leka Halasima 19. Latu Fainu 20. Paul Alamoti 21. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 22. Sione Katoa

Analysis: No changes for Tonga, meaning Tuimoala Lolohea retains his five-eighth jumper ahead of Latu Fainu after the Tigers young gun started the tournament before suffering a pec injury.

AUSTRALIA vs SAMOA

Sunday 8th November, 8.05pm @ Allianz Stadium

Australia’s team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jack Bostock 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Bradman Best 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tom Dearden 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Jacob Preston 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo (c) 14. Ethan Strange 15. Keaon Koloamatangi 16. Cameron Murray 17. Reuben Cotter 18. Latrell Mitchell 19. James Tedesco 20. Lindsay Smith 21. Sam Walker 22. Blayke Brailey 23. David Fifita

Analysis: As expected there are no changes for the Kangaroos, meaning last week’s side that beat the Cook Islands is the one Kevin Walters will back to win the World Cup. That means James Tedesco, Sam Walker and Latrell Mitchell all miss out in an ultra-competitive Australian side. The electric Reece Walsh gets the nod at fullback with Tom Dearden winning the halfback jumper as a more traditional complement to Cameron Munster after Mitchell Moses went down in the tournament opener. Walters did hint that Mitchell could play a role as an impact player off the bench for the Kangaroos and he is part of the extended six-man bench so there is still every chance the Rabbitohs superstar could help flip the game late if Australia needs him. Elsewhere, Blayke Brailey is in the reserves so Harry Grant will look to go the distance for the Kangaroos.

Walsh stars in Aus win v Cook Islands | 03:10

Samoa’s team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Brian To’o 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Sualauvi Faalogo 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Jarome Luai (c) 8. Francis Molo 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Junior Paulo (c) 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Francis Manuleleua 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Shawn Blore 17. Ata Mariota 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Deine Mariner 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Enari Tuala 22. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Analysis: No Chanel Harris-Tavita, with a hamstring injury sidelining Samoa’s starting five-eighth. Fortunately they have the much-improved Ronald Volkman who comes in as a straight swap and will partner soon-to-be Eels teammate Jarome Luai. Elsewhere, Deine Mariner is back from a hamstring injury of his own but has been named on the extended bench with Sualauvi Faalogo retaining his spot on the wing. Benaiah Ioelu is named to start at hooker but swapped with Jazz Tevaga last week and may do similar again on Sunday.