League: Focus on halves in battle of words

Kiwi Stacey Jones at training at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, this week. Phil Walter / Getty Images

It was halfback day in the Tri-Nations league war.

It's been a lukewarm war so far compared to the Anzac test where cannons went off in the press before the Kiwis were blasted to smithereens. It was mighty hot in Brisbane.

Australian prop Willie Mason had a wee dig this week, and New Zealand Rugby League chairman Sel Bennett put a few cents worth in. But apart from that, it's been all quiet leading into tomorrow night's Mt Smart Stadium test.

Lessons have been learnt, according to Kiwi coach Brian McClennan.

"Actions speak louder than words - for both teams it's the calm before the storm," he said.

"A few things got blown out [in Brisbane] which was a bit disappointing. I guess both teams are a bit wary. I don't think it [the controversy] is needed in league. There's enough down on the field."

So it was halfback day.

First up, Kangaroo coach Ricky Stuart revealed that his No 7 Johnathan Thurston had experienced a major lift in training since being named in the starters.

The debate over whether Thurston or Ben Hornby should play had affected the one-test Cowboy, Stuart said, whereas he confidently ripped into his work once the decision was made.

Stuart said that while his batch of Australian test rookies had the benefits of NRL and State of Origin experience, a test match could be a different proposition.

The much-vaunted Origin had its own stage, was a unique experience, and success there did not necessarily flow into tests.

"Sometimes you find in those big moments that a younger player can't handle it. But I'm very confident," said Stuart, who rated a test jersey above Origin selection.

Kiwis linchpin Stacey Jones, McClennan, captain Ruben Wiki and second rower David Kidwell fronted the Kiwi media conference.

Jones conceded the test would be much quicker than he has experienced with Les Catalans in the Super League.

"But I've played a few tests before so I've got a fair idea," the halfback said.

"I expect their big men to target me and I've got some big men standing next to me. I'm sure I'll get a lot of help from the boys."

The 33-year-old Wiki, whose presence often appears essential to the Kiwis' chances, nodded as Jones said this.

But Wiki, a late withdrawal from the Anzac game, didn't give a nod or a wink when asked if his world record continuing 51st test would be his last in Auckland.

"Saturday is what I'm concentrating on. It's one game at a time. I can't look into the crystal ball that far," he said, in typical Wiki fashion.

It was a similar deal when Wiki was asked about his fitness after a six week break, and what sort of game time he was capable of.

"I go on when I'm told and come off when I'm told," sums up his reply, almost word-for-word.

Guns are falling silent all over the place. But not for long.