While most people's attention has been on the Rugby World Cup for the last month, the Kiwis have flown under the radar en route to the final of the inaugural Pacific Championship.
But on Saturday in Hamilton, New Zealand will have to step up to take down the world champion Kangaroos — although if last week's pre-match proceedings are anything to go by, they have the fire to do it.
Prior to a clinical 36-18 win by the Australians in Melbourne, the two sides faced off with the Kiwis delivering a fierce haka, led by rookie Leo Thompson who isn't taking the honour for granted.
"I got some messages from my nan my koro back home and they were buzzing about me leading the haka more than anything," Thompson told 1News.
In just his second Test, the 22-year-old, who hails from Gisborne, surprised his family with the role.
"It's huge for me," he said. "I didn't tell my family I was doing it. They watched it on TV and I knew my sisters and that would've had tears in their eyes."
Following the challenge, the Kiwis then stared down their opponents but Thompson was impressed the Kangaroos didn't budge.
"I like the way they stood staunch. That's how you respect the haka."
That respect will be put to the test again in Hamilton. The Kangaroos last played in New Zealand five years ago but for star Cameron Munster, there's even more history particularly with Waikato.
"I went there as a kid on a cricket tour, it was actually pretty good!"
The Kiwis last played in Hamilton during their disastrous 2017 World Cup campaign and to make matters worse, they've only won one of their last five meetings against Australia.
But those stats aren't putting Australia at ease, Munster added.
"We played some good footy but need to improve if we want to win this final in New Zealand," he said.
"It's going to be tough they have home ground advantage so they'll go out and give the crowd what they want."
Thompson completely agreed.
"It's a grand final for us. This is the last game of the series. It's do or die, there's no second chance after this game."
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