KEY POINTS:
Muzzled in the wake of the Nathan Fien affair, the Kiwis finally get to make a definitive statement tonight as their Tri-Nations title defence goes on the line at Westpac Stadium.
After a period of intense scrutiny for off-field indiscretions, focus returns to the game itself as New Zealand attempt to prolong their reign at least one more week against a Great Britain side within touching distance of their own brand of redemption following three failures to lift the Tri-Nations silverware.
The Kiwis have maintained a dignified silence on the circumstances concerning the loss of their two competition points, putting on a brave face at training since the Rugby League International Federation ruled Fien ineligible last week, taking the gloss of an 18-14 win over the Lions in Christchurch.
However, the real impact of the drama should be apparent tonight when the Kiwis strive to beat the Lions and significantly erase a minus-28 points differential before relying on the Kangaroos to finish the job for them in Brisbane next weekend.
The rematch with the Lions has widespread ramifications, notably for embattled coach Brian McClennan, 12 months after his crowning glory at Elland Road.
That 24-0 win over the Kangaroos in last year's final is in danger of being classed as an aberration considering the Kiwis have since won only a single test in five outings - and the victory over the Lions in Christchurch was ultimately tarnished by the NZRL's decision to field Fien despite knowing he was ineligible.
McClennan intimated tonight's match was a credibility test for the code in New Zealand. "It's really important we put on the best performance ever in the Kiwis jersey - for the image and future of rugby league. This is the biggest test of our lives."
For the Kiwis to make the final on November 25 with the Kangaroos, they need to win by as big a margin as possible - ideally more than 28 - so they are not overly reliant on an Australian side who have been far from compelling in their three outings.
McClennan has faith in Australia to finish the job but has targeted a 14-point winning margin.
Counterpart Brian Noble questioned the logic of specifying a target.
"If you think points, points, points they generally go against you, in my experience," he said.
Great Britain arrived from Sydney on Thursday, blissfully unaffected by the Fien "grannygate" saga and dismissing suggestions they could already have one eye on the final given their numerical advantage - and a game in hand over the Kiwis.
Noble and his skipper, Jamie Peacock, said complacency would not be tolerated despite the Kiwis' turmoil and the Lions' 23-12 win over the Kangaroos last weekend.
"Last week has been put to bed," Peacock said. "We had a few beers as a team on Sunday and that's been it. We got on with the training on Monday.
"Many Great Britain teams have come down here and won one game and we need to win two to ensure ourselves a place in the final."
Noble expected the Kiwis to play a more adventurous brand of football. "They are big, strong, powerful and have got good footwork, but we've got the physical attributes to cope with that. We think we've got some improvement in us."
Brian Carney's strained hamstring was passed fit yesterday, placing the Lions at full strength.
New Zealand v Great Britain
Westpac Stadium, Wellington, 8pm today
New Zealand: Brent Webb, Shontayne Hape, Iosia Soliola, Steve Matai, Manu Vatuvei, Nigel Vagana, Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki (c), Dene Halatau, Roy Asotasi, David , well, Simon Mannering, David Fa'alogo
Interchange: Motu Tony, Nathan Cayless, Adam Blair, Frank Pritchard.
Great Britain:Paul Wellens, Brian Carney, Kirk Yeaman, Keith Senior, Gareth Raynor, Leon Pryce, Sean Long, Stuart Fielden, Terry Newton, Jamie Peacock (c, Gareth Ellis, Gareth Hock, Sean O'Loughlin
Interchange: James Roby, Adrian Morley, Lee Gilmour, Jon Wilkin
18th man: Danny McGuire
- NZPA
