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BRISBANE - New Zealand rugby league coach Brian McClennan says the Kiwis face a tougher task springing another Tri-Nations boilover on Australia than in the ambush at Leeds 12 months ago.
After watching the Kangaroos dispose of Great Britain 33-10 at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, McClennan said the Kiwis would need to play to their very best to even be competitive in Saturday night's final in Sydney.
But McClennan is a master of complimenting his opposition while at the same time plotting their downfall.
There have been fewer bigger test upsets than the Kiwis' stunning 24-0 demolition of Australia in last year's Tri-Nations decider.
McClennan enjoyed his night out at Suncorp Stadium.
But next week he will have to come up with some answers to reverse Australia's 3-0 record over the Kiwis since the Tri Nations loss.
"They speak about that 24-0 quite a lot and that's what motivates some of them," said McClennan yesterday.
"They've actually played us three times since then and beaten us three times.
"They beat us comfortably in the Anzac test (in April) and comfortably in Auckland too and they showed how dangerous they are by jagging it off us in Melbourne.
"They're just a very dangerous football team with so much speed and athleticism.
"Playing them at home is a different scenario and we are going to have to play really well just to compete in this game."
McClennan played special tribute to Australian five-eighth Darren Lockyer's performance against the Lions.
"Lockyer is just an outstanding player, isn't he?
"His name will sit comfortably alongside the (Johnny) Rapers and (Wally) Lewis' and other immortals one day.
"He certainly is a special player."
While McClennan was impressed with the Kangaroos he saw enough to head back to Sydney with some ideas on where to attack Australia and how to put them under pressure.
"Watching Australia last night they were a little inconsistent at times but their threats are just lethal," he said.
"That last try that was scored (by Brent Tate) was special and it just shows you how talented and how skilful the Australian team is."
McClennan won't revisit last year's final in the build-up to Saturday night's encounter.
After being the overwhelming crowd favourite with English fans in Leeds last year, the Kiwis will have lots of support from fans in Sydney.
McClennan said playing the Tri-Nations at the end of the season allowed the Kiwis to gather their best players from both hemispheres.
"When you play a Kiwi team at the end of the year, you play against a bona fide Kiwi team," he said.
"We're all very excited and very honoured to be in the final."
Lions coach Brian Noble said after Saturday night's loss he felt Australia had "step it up a little" against the Kiwis and Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart was quick to agree, "It's a fair call and something I've just spoken to the players about," said Stuart.
- AAP
