League: Lions get set to defy odds

Great Britain hooker Keiron Cunningham believes the Lions can still defy the odds and edge Australia out of the Tri-Nations final.

Defeats in their two opening games by Australia and New Zealand have left the British squad with a seemingly hopeless task as they prepare to take on the Kiwis on Sunday.

They need to win both their remaining games as well as overturn a points difference of 36 if they are to pip the Kangaroos to a place at Elland Rd on November 26.

"We've got to win these two games now. There are no ifs or buts," Cunningham said. The Lions, who have never scored more than 35 points at home to the Kiwis, are 33-1 with the bookmakers to win the series, with the Aussies 1-3 to successfully defend their trophy, and improving New Zealand at 9-4.

Great Britain's highest home score against New Zealand came in their 35-19 victory at Swinton in the third test of 1961.Their biggest win at home was a 26-6 triumph at Elland Rd in the second test of 1989.