Kevin Sinfield Leeds Rhinos captain

Great Britain will face a very different New Zealand side to the one they beat so convincingly at Knowsley Road in June.

Long's kicking game will need to be at its very best against the Kiwis

Some of the names will be the same, like Stacey Jones and Motu Tony, but most of the players who will run out at Jade Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday were not part of the team crushed 46-16 in St Helens.

There are other factors to take into consideration, too.

New Zealand will be playing at home in front of a partisan crowd and badly need a win to keep alive their hopes of defending their Tri-Nations title.

After two losses to Australia, they know another reverse could spell the end of their chances of making the final, so they will be fired up to make sure they don't end up on the losing side again.

If Great Britain are to get off to a winning start, the half-backs will have to be on top of their kicking game.

It is an area that is becoming more and more important in rugby league, especially in the international arena, and will be where the match will be won or lost.

I know the Kiwis have got Stacey Jones, but we have got Sean Long and Danny McGuire.

In my view, they give us the edge, although it will be tight, a lot tighter than four months ago.

Whatever happens on Saturday, Australia have shown they mean business after last year's disappointment.

There is a lot of pressure on them but they are clearly determined to put things right after their drubbing in the 2005 final at the hands of New Zealand.

The Kangaroos were not at the best last weekend but it is a sign of a good side when they win despite not performing as well as they can.

They will be a massive threat when they face the Lions and already have one foot in the final.