A buoyant New Zealand will be a far bigger test for Australia than in Perth earlier this month, according to Kiwis prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
David Kidwell's side were well beaten at nib Stadium by Mal Meninga's Kangaroos, but Waerea-Hargreaves, returning after a three-year international exile, believes nothing should be read into that result ahead of Saturday's (Sunday AEDT) Four Nations clash in Coventry.
"We've put it behind us and this is a different game in a different country and we'll certainly be better for the run after beating England," the Sydney Roosters prop told AAP.
"We know we didn't play our best in Perth but for a lot of us it was a first hit-out in about six weeks."
Despite being the No.1 ranked team in the world and the reigning Four Nations champions, the Kiwis were largely written off by sections of the local media before their 17-16 win over the hosts.
With the excitement surrounding Sam Burgess' return and the appointment of Wayne Bennett as coach, confidence was high in England following the 2-1 series win over the Kiwis a year ago.
But after the Shaun Johnson-inspired tourists spoiled the party Waerea-Hargreaves said there's a belief coursing through a team that have made a habit of finding their best form for major tournaments.
"We've been based in Leeds after being in London and we've had a great camp," he said.
"I really love Leeds, it's a fun place to be based and as a group the boys are very close.
"I think that was shown in that defensive effort against England, everyone just kept turning up for one another.
"Australia are a great side but we're pretty good as well and we know that if we're at our best theres no reason why we can't win."
