League: Where the test can be won

The Kiwis rely heavily on Ruben Wiki and when he's off the field the Aussies usually capitalise. Phil Walter / Getty Images

The Kiwis will have to chance their arm if they want to beat Australia in the Tri-Nations final on Sunday. The snow and sleet is looming over Elland Rd, but playing to the conditions and banging it up one off the ruck will play into the Kangaroos' hands. Play it wide and deep will be coach Brian McClennan's call. They'll just have to have faith the passes will stick.

Here's what each member of the side brings to the match.

BRENT WEBB: Proving himself a world-class fullback. Webb has pace and turns up at the right times and places in attack and defence. His on-the-line tackling is superb. His cover defence has improved. A tough competitor.

JAKE WEBSTER: The find of the tour, solid on attack, solid under the high ball and solid in defence. Webster has proved he knows where the tryline is and how to get there and has the strength to defeat tacklers and stay away from the touchline. A great newcomer with a big future.

PAUL WHATUIRA: Has improved through the series. Played a good role in all games and improving his understanding on attack and defence. Solid worker. May lose out to Shontayne Hape who is bigger and stronger.

SHONTAYNE HAPE: Something of an unknown for the Aussies, Hape was strong and created line-breaks against them in Auckland. Needs to keep his emotions in control so that he is not exposed defensively as he faces his biggest game so far.

CLINTON TOOPI: World-class centre with a huge defensive hit as well as the ability to cut defences to ribbons. Can beat his man with strength or stepping. Must stay focused and avoid getting sucked into any niggle, while channelling his aggression to best effect.

MANU VATUVEI: Giant wing who, like Webster, has proved he knows how to score under pressure and without much space. Can terrorise his opposition and Brent Tate will be pressed to stop Vatuvei's power. Still some questions about his handling of the high ball and ability to turn and cover a kick.

NIGEL VAGANA: Invaluable veteran who has been marshalling the Kiwis' defence. Speedster who can make long-range breaks himself and a great support-player and finisher for others. Tough tackler, composed in defence and providing steel to the team.

STACEY JONES: Jetlag is the big question mark here. Jones played well against Australia Downunder. His kicking game will be critical to the Kiwis in the final. If he finds grass and they make gain, they play at the right end. If he finds chests they'll play at their own end under constant pressure.

PAUL RAUHIHI: Rated the fittest prop in the NRL, Rauhihi always makes metres while carrying opponents backwards. Prone to the odd suspect off-load. His weakness is a lack of lateral movement and the Kangaroos will seek to use that to their advantage as he tires.

MOTU TONY: An ace card for the Kiwis. Tony is clever in tight traffic, able to step in all directions, ducking and weaving with the best of them. He has a good pass from dummy-half and is a solid tackler. Offers some kicking opportunity.

RUBEN WIKI: The Man. It is no coincidence that the Kiwis have let in repeat tries in repeat games, each time while Wiki was being rested. He provides inspirational plays in attack and defence and is the consummate leader.

DAVID SOLOMONA: Has troubled all sides he's played against with his ability to keep tacklers moving backwards then off-load. Has a smart kick and knows when to use what option. Needs to focus on the game and not refereeing decisions.

DAVID KIDWELL: An inspiration for the team, picking them up with big hits or smashing busts up-field when they are most needed. Never lags. An aggressive workhorse who has grown to become a leader in the pack.

LOUIS ANDERSON: A tough option for lock. Strong and experienced for his age, Anderson is determined, plays with pride and never stops. Tackling will be has main job but he's capable of some ball-handling too.

INTERCHANGE

DAVID FAIUMU: Quick dummy-half runner with the ability to swivel and off-load. Created lots of late opportunities for the Kiwis when coming off the bench, lifting them when the game was flagging. Halfback cover too.

ROY ASOTASI: Brilliant NRL season and making big impact internationally. Always makes metres, fast and with good hands for a prop. A good eye for the break and a good sense of where to put himself in support.

IAFETA PALEAAESINA:Mr Effective returned to something like his best on tour and revealed an off-load not evident at the Warriors. Capable of big busts, fast for a prop and with good hands. Might lose out to experience, though.

TONY PULETUA: Major impact man. Puletua came in late and lacking fitness but has proved his ability and worth. Makes a good prop/secondrow option too, with power and speed. Solid defender to counter Kennedy and Waterhouse.

ALI LAUITIITI: Hasn't made the impact he is capable of, the off-load missing, the step-and-burn used rarely. A couple of loose tackle efforts so perhaps others will be preferred.

AWEN GUTTENBEIL: Solid workhorse who McClennan rates as providing the glue for the team. Starting to slow, though, and mistakes have come as he tired in previous games.