League: Pre match fireworks unlikely

The Kiwis perform the Haka during the ANZAC Test earlier this year. Photo / Getty Images

As the Kiwis and Kangaroos head into battle tomorrow night, don't expect a repeat of the fiery haka duel that took place between their Junior counterparts in the recent encounter.

In scenes that captured headlines on both sides of the Tasman, the two Junior sides ended up nose to nose at the end of the haka before their match last week.

The Australians had advanced forward as the New Zealanders performed the traditional dance, sparking unruly scenes that almost descended into an all in brawl.

But Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith ruled out the prospect of his team employing a similar tactic at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night, when the 2014 Four Nations tournament gets underway.

"I don't think so," said Smith, of the possibility of his team advancing on the haka. "The last time we did that was in the [2008] World Cup final and we got beaten so we won't be doing that again."

Smith then outlined his respect for the tradition, saying it was a great spectacle and a "privilege" to be on the field to witness it.

Kiwis captain Simon Mannering also downplayed the chances of pre match fireworks between the two sides.

"There is lots of testosterone going round at the age," he laughed, referring to the two Junior teams.

"I don't think you'll see anything like that tomorrow."

Meanwhile, the final press conference before the match was a highly respectful affair.
Smith called the Kiwis "a wonderful football side" who were "great across the park". He said the Australians were particularly wary of New Zealand's power and strength in the middle of the field, after the damage done in that area during the Anzac test last May.

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney dismissed any suggestions that the new look Kangaroos side were vulnerable, and identified rookies Aaron Woods, Daniel Tupou and Dylan Walker as three of the biggest threats.

"They have all played in big games," said Kearney. "They know what it takes in these matches."

Meanwhile, Mannering exuded a quiet confidence, though left no doubt as to the favourites in tomorrow's contest.

"Their team is full of seasoned campaigners," said Mannering of the Kangaroos. "I still see them as the No1 side in this competition."