League: Kearney counsels Kiwis to avoid distracting biffo

Both sides have bristled with aggression this week but the Kiwis have been warned to keep a lid on it if they are to upset the Kangaroos tonight.

Former Kiwis captain Stephen Kearney said one or two big hits and an early brawl during an electric opening stanza was not the secret to upsetting the Tri-Nations favourites at Telstra Dome.

"What's transpired over the last week has been blown a bit out of proportion. It's not going to suit anybody if someone's in the sinbin or their mind's on other things," Kearney said.

"It'll be pretty physical but, in terms of biffo, I don't think so, the game's gone past that."

A tense week has set the scene for an absorbing test after the Kangaroos were far superior in their 30-18 victory in Auckland last weekend.

They then questioned the worthiness of Australian-born-and-raised Brent Webb and Nathan Fien pulling on the black jersey, while Willie Mason accused Kiwis enforcer David Kidwell of a "cheap shot" and said Kidwell didn't have the respect of the Australian pack.

Kearney hoped the Kiwis would not be goaded into anything stupid.

"I'd be very surprised if it gets out of hand," Kearney said.

"Every time the boys take the paddock, as they showed last year, if they get things right, with Stacey [Jones] driving them on, the team's capable of anything and Australia certainly know that.

"I don't think we can get away with surprising them any more but I'm confident they can do well."

Kearney was uncertain whether the Kiwis had improved enough in the past week to turn around the Auckland result when they were outplayed in all areas.

But he said the formula was simple, having upset the Kangaroos in Sydney and Leeds on the way to Tri-Nations glory last year.

"A little bit of luck's certainly of benefit and the bounce of the ball going your way. They've got to hold on to the ball and, when you get opportunities on their goalline to put them under pressure, you've got to do so.

"You know Australia are going to put you under pressure when they get the ball back.

"It's discipline, ball control, the fundamentals and a bit of luck.

"Last year the Kiwis created their own luck from being aggressive and they were certainly on the front foot."

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan hoped the match would be another bruising, confrontational affair and agreed it was potentially their best chance of victory.

But he was also preaching discipline and a cool, calculating approach.

"You want it tough but you don't want thuggery. There is a fine line and we're very aware of that. We don't want to cross it.

"There has been a lot of buildup where it can get out of hand. We're conscious of being very disciplined."

- NZPA