Born-again prop Russell Packer has bolted into the Kiwis starting line-up to face Australia in the Anzac Test in Canberra.
A surprise inclusion in the squad ahead of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Packer has beaten out experienced Kiwis hardmen Adam Blair and Martin Taupau for a starting berth.
The latter pair are both on the interchange bench.
It is another major achievement for Packer, 27, who had wondered if his career was over after spending a year behind bars for assault in 2014.
The St George Illawarra front-rower spoke this week of his desire to repay the faith shown by David Kidwell, having been recalled for his third Test and first since 2011.
Packer admitted to being first shocked, and then emotional, when he received the call last week from Kidwell to inform him of his selection.
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Topic: Shocked Packer to start for Kiwis over experienced teammates
