Smith hails 'terrific talent' in squad

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Hull winger Tom Briscoe is the surprise inclusion in the starting line-up to face France at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on Friday night, with St Helens utility back Kyle Eastmond the only new cap.

"It's an exciting squad and a squad we think can do the job for us on Friday night," said Smith.

Front-row veterans Jamie Peacock and Adrian Morley, with a combined age of 63, form the backbone of an experienced pack which also contains young guns Scott Moore, 21, and 20-year-old Sam Burgess.

At 26, Danny McGuire is the oldest member of a backline that includes two teenagers in Briscoe and Richie Myler, with 20-year-old Eastmond set to make his international debut off the bench.

"There is some terrific talent in there," he added. "A few new faces and some old heads. I'm really pleased by the squad we've selected.

"It's always difficult to name a squad because you feel for the people you have to leave out.

"The 17 guys we have named are all good players but so too are the ones who aren't playing this weekend.

"In some ways you can't go wrong. I have confidence in every member of this squad."