By Dave Woods BBC Sport in Christchurch, New Zealand

Jade Stadium, Christchurch
0800 BST, Saturday 28 October

Noble has picked a strong side

Great Britain coach Brian Noble is "quietly confident" his side can open their Tri-Nations campaign with victory over hosts New Zealand in Christchurch.

"I think the first game is the key to the tournament for us," said Noble.

"The pressure and stakes have been raised for the Kiwis because they are talking about it being a must-win match and they are going to be fired up.

"We want to start well and show our form is good, and the way we have been practising, I'm quietly confident."

Interview: Great Britain coach Brian Noble

Noble is further encouraged by the way the squad has come together off the field, with individual club loyalties taking a back-seat.

"I've got people rowing in the right direction, players wanting to do extra stuff and that's always a great sign," he explained.

Leon Pryce is a key part of the Lions' attacking strategy

"The cliques are not there. They are a good group of people and they want to do well."

St Helens scrum-half Sean Long and Leeds stand-off Danny McGuire will team up again at half-back after impressing together in the crushing win over the Kiwis at Knowsley Road in June.

"They showed they can play together and they understand the concept of moving around a little bit," Noble said.

"They were getting the ball when they wanted it and being as damaging as they possibly could.

"I think Danny in practice has shown he has improved even more. They were the incumbents and I felt they deserved the first shot."

With McGuire at stand-off, Leon Pryce will start on the wing, where he has been playing for Saints this season.

I think we have a fantastic pack, comparable to both our opponents Brian Noble

"He can play as an extra stand-off and an extra full-back, so he gives you more attacking options with the ball in space.

"You won't see him locked onto the wing, you'll see him moving around."

With attacking flair to call on in the backs, Noble is confident his forwards will provide them with plenty of ball.

"I think we have a fantastic pack, comparable to both our opponents," he added.