Rugby League: Aussie hardman picking a Kiwi boilover in test

1.00pm

Former Kangaroos prop Robbie Kearns says New Zealand's powerful forward pack is poised to spring a stunning upset over Australia in tonight's rugby league test in Newcastle.

The Kiwis are rank $6 outsiders, with some critics labelling the team as the worst New Zealand side ever assembled.

Kearns, who retired from representative rugby league after the Kangaroos 3-0 series win over Great Britain last year, scoffed at those suggestions and told the Herald Sun newspaper the Kiwis were every chance of causing a boilover.

"I give the Kiwis a massive hope," Kearns said yesterday.

"I think it is a good Australian side. But without Andrew Johns and a few others, I'm not convinced it's a great one.

"There will be absolutely no pressure on New Zealand. Everyone is tipping them to get thrashed, but I'm going the other way.

"They have a heap of size and power and if they can dominate Australia up front they will be right in it."

Storm forward Stephen Kearney, who will play his 45th Test for New Zealand said the mood in the Kiwi camp was up-beat.

"I am surprised by how much we have been written off," Kearney said.

Following Ruben Wiki's suspension Kearney's Storm teammate David Kidwell has been called into the starting side at lock in his first Test appearance since 2000.

"Kiddy really deserves his chance," Kearney said.

"To be honest I thought he was unlucky to miss out last year. He is the kind of player that is made for Test football. He plays it tough and he has fitted into the squad really well."

Kidwell, who turns 27 today, along with Kearney will form part of an imposing Kiwi forward pack. Kearns says they must provide the platform for New Zealand to spring an upset.

- NZPA