League: Wiki to 'cuddle' Carroll

Kiwis skipper Ruben Wiki is looking forward to greeting a former test team-mate with a "cuddle" tomorrow.

Asked what stood out most for him in the Australian side for the Tri-Nations test in Auckland, Wiki replied with a smile: "Tonie Carroll."

Christchurch-born Carroll played five tests for New Zealand during the 2000 World Cup.

At 28, the Brisbane Bronco will make his test debut for Australia and is bracing for a torrid reception at North Harbour Stadium because he switched loyalty.

Wiki, a passionate wearer of the Kiwis jersey, agreed that Carroll might get a special welcome.

"No doubt there will be some cuddles from our side and he'll be giving some back."

But Wiki had no problems with Carroll's decision to switch sides.

"Good on him. He's chosen his path. We have to get on with our business."

Wiki, 31, is particularly eager to gain his 40th cap, having missed the last encounter between the transtasman rivals.

He was suspended just before the Anzac test at Newcastle in April and had to watch from the sidelines, an experience he found difficult as the Kiwis slid to a 10-37 defeat.

He said a key issue for the New Zealanders this weekend was to control possession better than they did at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

"When we get the ball, we have to complete our sets. If we give the ball away, we're going to get punished.

"We have to hold on to what we get and get something positive out of it."

He was happy with the Kiwis' preparations, describing them as "nice and relaxing".

While things might have been a bit quiet in training early in the week, the on-field communication between players had started to develop.

"Some of these young players, it's a big buzz for them, the aura of the Kiwi jersey," Wiki said.

"I'm still buzzing too. Hopefully I can show some leadership."

After sporting a healthy mop of hair the last time he played for New Zealand - in the 30-16 win over the Kangaroos at North Harbour Stadium 12 months ago - Wiki has a new look this week.

He is a stand-out at training with a closely cropped cut that has been dyed yellow.

"I'm always changing my hair, going from the mad locks to the flat top," he said.

"I just like to be out there, you know, mixing with the young boys.

"I had a presentation last week and I had a yellow tie, so the hair matched it."

- NZPA