League: Under-radar weapon

Greg Eastwood on the charge. Photo / Getty Images

Greg Eastwood tends to slip under the radar. As has happened for most of his international career, he won't be the focal point among the Kiwis forwards today.

The attention will probably instead fall on Melbourne's Jesse Bromwich, dynamic hooker Issac Luke or the hard-charging Martin Taupau.

But the underrated Eastwood is a vital member of the Kiwis. When he is around, good things tend to happen.

He is one of only three players in the current squad (Simon Mannering and Luke are the others) who was part of the 2008 World Cup victory, the 2010 Four Nations triumph and was also on the field for the memorable 22-18 win in Wellington last November, which claimed another major trophy.

There might be others with greater reputations, bigger names and larger frames, but Eastwood consistently delivers on the big occasions. The 28-year-old is also versatile - across his 22-test career he has played at prop, second-row and even lock. He's deceptively swift across the field, has the size to dent defensive lines and is a reliable defender.

His role today is crucial. In last year's Four Nations, the Kiwi's interchange men made a huge impact and were arguably the difference between the two teams.

"[The bench] is going to be massive," agreed Eastwood. "The energy levels go down a bit and the boys coming off the bench really have to lift their side. Myself, Marty [Taupau] and Sam Moa [need to] come on and really lift the tempo again and try to get an edge."

Today's match will be a unique experience for Eastwood, as the teams play with the sun on their backs. The Kiwis played Australia in day matches in 2007 and 2011 but Eastwood didn't feature on either occasion.

"[Playing] Sunday afternoon for your country will definitely be different," he said. "But we train all year in hot conditions and play afternoons for our clubs. The boys are all playing well at the moment, wet or dry track. We train for all kinds of conditions and it will be the same for both teams."

Both Eastwood and fellow back rower Tohu Harris said there won't be huge changes to the game plan but there is no doubt today's clash will have a different look to it than what would have unfolded on Friday night. It's certain to be more free flowing, as both teams use the chance to give the ball some air.

The Kiwis completed a brief training session yesterday ("it's a bit different to have two captain's runs", joked Eastwood) before free time in the afternoon. Kieran Foran again took no part in training - instead having a massage on his lower back as he watched the session - and Thomas Leuluai ran at five-eighth.

Behind the scenes, Kiwis management worked frantically to rearrange travel bookings and accommodation.

It was the same for the Kangaroos and coach Tim Sheens warned of the mental challenges from the unexpected 48 hour delay.

"The mental side is the hardest part," Sheens said.

"We haven't had this circumstance in my career. We never saw a game cancelled."