A CLERICAL error may prevent Benji Marshall's recognition as New Zealand captain for the first time in the match program for tomorrow night's World Cup game against England - but the Wests Tigers star says he couldn't care less.

Marshall said yesterday after the news was made public that he had initially been stunned when told the day before by Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney that he would deputise as skipper for the injured Nathan Cayless - and with good reason.

On the team sheet that was issued to the media on Wednesday, St George Illawarra-bound lock Jeremy Smith was listed as captain, and there was no reason to think there had been a misprint after he performed the role in last month's Test against Tonga.

Not that Marshall was worried, rating the honour alongside the Tigers' 2005 premiership win.

"It's definitely up with the highest achievements in my career," Marshall said. "I told my family and they were all stoked and proud, even a few tears from the old lady.

"I thought he [Kearney] was joking at first. I was a bit surprised but happy all the same. It's a great honour and privilege to captain any side, but to captain your country at a World Cup is something special."

Marshall said he had never captained a senior team before, with his last match as skipper being at high school.

"It's a tremendous honour leading your country and it's a great chance for Benji to take on the task," Kearney said.

Meanwhile, England coach Tony Smith is expected to make up to six changes to the side thrashed 52-4 by Australia last Sunday night. The two teams will meet again next Saturday night in the first semi-final at Suncorp Stadium.

In tonight's other match, Scotland meet Tonga in a play-off between the teams finishing second in pools 2 and 3 at Rockhampton. Samoa play France at Penrith tomorrow in the play-off between the teams finishing third in pools 2 and 3.