GREAT Britain coach David Waite is pinning his faith on an untried half-back combination in Saturday evening's opening Test against New Zealand at Blackburn.

Kevin Sinfield, a specialist loose forward, will line up at stand-off alongside Grand Final man of the match Paul Deacon as Britain seek to draw first blood in the Don't Drink Drive Test Series.

A fortnight ago, the St Helens pairing of Sean Long and Paul Sculthorpe, past and present Man of Steel winners, were hot favourites for the half-back roles, but both were ruled out through injury.

Waite used the versatile Sinfield as hooker and scrum-half in last year's Tests against France and Australia, but the 22-year-old has also played a dozen games for Leeds at stand-off this year.

"I expect Kevin to do what he does best, play some smart rugby league," said Waite.

"He did some good stuff last year in the Test series for us and I think will do a fantastic job for us.

"He is very clear in his role and I'm confident he will do a good job."

Deacon, who forced his way into the team for the third Test against the Kangaroos 12 months ago, was the obvious choice for scrum-half once Long sustained a fractured cheekbone - but his form in the second half of the season may have even been enough to edge him in front of his rival.

"Paul is definitely playing better than this time last year," said Waite.

"His performances towards the end of the season means he was the best one available.

"Certainly in his head-to-head in the Grand Final he played equally as well as his opponent. He's really ready to play well in Test-match football."

Deacon's club captain Robbie Paul will be at full-back for the Kiwis after David Vaealiki was ruled out with flu.