New Zealand's forward pack will put Australia's middle defence under pressure in Thursday's World Cup opener, Kangaroos lock Isaah Yeo said.
The Kiwis have James Fisher-Harris, Joseph Tapine and Naufahu Whyte, and have not beaten Australia on Australian soil since 2014.
"(We want) to reignite that rivalry. It's a really important part of rugby league and trying to grow that international space," Yeo said.
Australia's other selection question is whether Reece Walsh or James Tedesco will wear the No.1 jersey at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
Walsh took most of Monday's opposed training against France at fullback, with Wallabies coach Les Kiss watching.
The Brisbane star has not played since August, when an ankle injury ended his NRL season, but appears to have an edge over Clive Churchill Medal winner Tedesco.
Yeo said Walsh had been "outstanding in the Ashes last year" and could "make something happen from nothing".
He added that Tedesco was on a lighter training load after winning the premiership with the Sydney Roosters.
Yeo said he was unsure of the final lineup, which coach Kevin Walters is due to announce on Tuesday afternoon.