McClennan tells fans to turn out for Kiwis test

Kiwi rugby league coach Brian McClennan has urged supporters to turn out for tonight's test against Australia.

Only around 12,000 tickets have been pre-sold and the forecast is for heavy rain.

But McClennan said: "We are going to get stuck in regardless of the weather. It doesn't matter.

"We are very passionate kiwis. We hope all the kiwi leaguies get off their arses and get to the game. Don't call yourself a leaguie if you sit at home."

He has also said he believes his side has more than enough tactical kickers despite fielding a five-eighth not noted for his ability with the boot.

Regular centre Nigel Vagana will wear the No 6 jersey for the second consecutive test when he runs out tonight.

Vagana kicked only once, and not convincingly, in the Kiwis' upset victory in Sydney last week.

But with ball in hand, he did what he's noted for and scored a spectacular game-breaking try in the second half.

McClennan said the Kiwis had a number of kicking options and he was happy with the mix available at Ericsson Stadium.

Halfback Stacey Jones, fullback Brent Webb, hooker Motu Tony and reserve David Faiumu were all handy with the boot, he said.

"It didn't worry me whether Nigel could kick when I saw him run 50m to score under the bar.

"I thought, 'oh well, that's okay, you don't have to kick'.

"We're happy with what we can got. We've got right-footed kickers and left-foot kickers."

McClennan added that the effort of his forward pack at Telstra Stadium in getting good field position had been a big help.

"They got us to the 50 and beyond so our kicks could be better," he said. "That's the key for us."

McClennan added that skipper Ruben Wiki's feat tonight in equalling the world record of 46 test caps -- shared by five players including former Kiwi Gary Freeman -- would be raised pre-match.

"To have 'Rubes' equal Gary Freeman's record and leading the team into battle, that's pretty special and that will be talked about," McClennan said.

But he said the Kiwis had not been distracted by issues such as former coaches and test players in Australia attacking the Kangaroos' effort last weekend.

"What the Australians say or do doesn't motivate us -- we motivate each other," he said.

"We are motivated by desire, not revenge or hate or anything like that. We're more concerned about ourselves and doing something for our little country."

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA