Kiwis star half Shaun Johnson says the energy in the New Zealand camp is high, as they look to challenge the World Cup champions the Australian Kangaroos on Saturday at Mount Smart in Auckland.
The Kiwis will be part of a triple-header this Saturday, which also features the Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis teams up against Australian sides.
Johnson, 28, says the passion and pride is always there whenever going into a New Zealand camp.
"When we come into a Kiwi camp, every time we get pretty buzzed with it," said Johnson.
"It's like one big family really. When you are the halfback you have a lot of the big guys try chase you down."
Johnson praised coach Michael Maguire's efforts in Denver despite the Kiwis going down 36-18 to England in June.
"Obviously I thought he did a terrific job with the short time he had earlier in the year in Denver.
"He has got to create more of his own environment this time round, it's pretty exciting for him.
"If we can feed off his energy that he brings I’m sure we are going to be alright."
The Kiwis are set play the Kangaroos at 7:45pm at Mount Smart in Auckland on Saturday, with the Junior Kiwis starting off the triple-header at 3:05pm before the Kiwi Ferns take on the Jillaroos at 5:15pm.
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