Kiwis Combine Skill With Power

The Kiwis plan to prove they have the brains as well as the brawn to contrive an overdue win against their trans-Tasman rugby league rivals at Aussie Stadium tonight.

The impressive dimensions of the New Zealand pack and the fact their interchange bench features four bruising forwards has been a focal point of the build up.

When Willie Talau was surprisingly added to the mix at five-eighth, Kangaroos coach Chris Anderson believed he could see what was coming - a "bash-a-thon" - with the Kiwis out to hurt an Australian team wearied by a tough State of Origin series.

New Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson said he has taken a conservative approach for his international debut, but emphasised bulk was not his only strong suit.

"It's not as simple as just running over the top of them. We've got some size but there's subtle skills there as well," he said.

"There's been a lot of talk about the size of our players, but the Australians aren't small either.

"I think there's enough skill in the game to make it entertaining."

Ruben Wiki, who captains the Kiwis at test level for the first time, said the Australians seemed obsessed with the size of the New Zealand pack but should not ignore a potent back division.

Centre Nigel Vagana, the National Rugby League's leading try scorer in 2002, sits just two scores behind current leader Rhys Wesser's 17. Warriors wing Francis is also in range with 13.

"Our boys are skilful - and strong. When you look at Nigel, Matt (Utai) and Willie, I reckon the Australians will have to run outside the linesman to get past them," Wiki said.

Wiki, who watched an early New Zealand 18-6 advantage at Wellington last year turn to a 24-32 loss, said the key to achieving a first Kiwis win on Australian soil since 1991 was play flat-out for the entire 80 minutes.

"We played for 70 minutes last year, this year we have to go toe to toe and stay composed for the 80," he said.

A Warriors' NRL campaign that culminated with a grand final appearance was blamed for last year's team fading at Westpac Stadium, but the timing of tonight's test may count against the Kangaroos.

The test comes just nine days after the State of Origin finale and there is concern the Kangaroos are worn out from a hectic series.

Former dual international Matthew Ridge thought the Kangaroos were vulnerable and added spice to the weekend's rugby double-header by boldly predicting a "blackwash" by the Kiwis and All Blacks.

"A couple of the Kangaroos look weary. Andrew Johns looks tired to me. It's been a tough few weeks for the NRL players and now they have to back up after Origin.

"I think the Kiwis have a big chance of winning," Ridge said.

Johns was aware of Ridge's comments and said as a "staunch New Zealander" the former All Blacks and Kiwis' fullback was entitled to his opinion. "Maybe it was warranted, but it's a week since I've played and I'm ready to go," Johns said.

"Opes (Kangaroos coach Anderson) has been great with the preparation, we haven't had a session go longer than an hour."

He doubted a relaxed build up would count against the Kangaroos.

"The nucleus of the team has been in there four or five years and we know the Kiwis will play a power game around Stacey Jones."

Johns said the Kangaroos, who will wear jerseys to mark the 75th anniversary of the green and gold strip, were intent on extending their proud record against the Kiwis.

"The score can blow out for us at the end but they're always tough games. You still wake up the next morning feeling sore and sorry."

The Kiwis completed their build up with a low-key run yesterday morning before heading to Bondi Beach for a picnic with the families and partners of the squad's Sydney-based players.