Ronaldo Mulitalo clashes with the Kangaroos defence during last weekend's defeat in Melbourne. Photo: Photosport
Victories over Australia don't happen often, but the rare successes are inspiring the current Kiwis lineup.
The Kiwis and Kangaroos do battle in Hamilton for the Pacific Championship title.
Since 1908 the trans-Tasman rivals have met 143 times with Australia winning 106 of those and the Kiwis 34, while there were three draws.
The Kiwis have won just eight of their 43 games since 2000.
New Zealand were beaten 36-18 in Melbourne last weekend, but will enjoy home advantage for the decider and Kiwis fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad expects the locals to make themselves heard.
"A very vocal crowd from experience, especially in our in our home games, there's going to be such a passionate, loud crowd that is going to get right behind us. So we're going to need to draw off everyone's energy, the hype and excitement about being here in the Waikato and get the job done."
Nicoll-Klokstad says defence will be key to winning the title.
"Defence wins games and we defended really well (last week) and we just missed our moments, there are moments in games that we needed to execute a little bit better and I think when we get those moments this weekend we're going to look to ice them a bit better."
Having won the number one jersey ahead of Joseph Manu, Nicoll-Klokstad said he is looking to make the position his own.
"I want to take this opportunity with both hands. I'm a fullback through and through and to get the opportunity to play in the position I play in club, it's a massive honour and privilege. I've got great leaders and great players that I can lean on and get really good advice off and Joey is definitely one of those players."
Cameron Murray of the Kangaroos crosses the line to score a try during the 2023 Pacific Championships rugby league match between Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne. Photo: Photosport
The 28-year-old said watching the 2008 World Cup final which saw New Zealand stun hosts Australia is what drew him to the jersey.
"I vividly remember celebrating and cha-hooing, that's what made me want to be a Kiwi, when I look back and think how far I come on my journey, this is where I want to be."
Kiwis prop Griffin Neame has similar memories of the rivalry.
"Growing up I was in a household where we sort of hated the Kangaroos."
Neame said discipline was a key factor in their loss last weekend, with too many dropped balls, and penalties conceded costing them dearly.
"If we can get that right and just build pressure during the game, hopefully we can go a lot better."
The Kangaroos will welcome back some heavy artillery in the form of Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.
"They are big bodies and powerful, they've showed that this season but I definitely back our pack though we've got James Fisher-Harris and fish Harrison Moses Leota so I think if those two can go out there and do a real good job will be an interesting game."
Neame said he was surprised to see the level of support from the Waikato locals at Thursday's fan day.
"It was packed which was awesome to see, we feel the community really getting behind us."
The game kicks off at 5pm in Hamilton.
