Giant prop Petero Civoniceva has warned Australia will need to reproduce the "perfect half" in its Tri-Nations defence with New Zealand and Great Britain having bridged the gap in recent years.

Civoniceva warned the Kangaroos, who have been world champions for more than three decades, needed to be right on their game these days to beat either team.

That New Zealand came within two points of back-to-back wins over Australia was not lost on Civoniceva or his teammates, who are aware another off night at the office could spell disaster with the Kiwis clearly high on confidence and form.

The Fijian-born forward believes Great Britain will be a team hell bent of seeking revenge on two fronts when they clash with Australia at JBB Stadium on Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd.

Saturday night's loser will find it almost impossible to make the final.

Civoniceva, who played in last year's Tri-Nations final when Australia had the game won at half time following a flawless opening 40 minutes, says experience tells him Great Britain will hit back with ferocity from their embarrassing 42-26 loss to the Kiwis at Loftus Road in London last weekend.

"They've also been waiting almost a year to extract revenge for the Tri-Nations hiding handed out to them by the Kangaroos in last year's lopsided finale when skipper Darren Lockyer carved them to pieces off the back of a near perfect first 40 minutes from his forwards."

Great Britain coach Brian Noble has made his players stew by delaying the naming of his Test squad, keeping them on edge after several pleaded for him to give them another chance.

"There's a lot of pressure on the Great Britain team to perform," said Civoniceva, anticipating a full-on assault from the wounded Lions pack.

"I don't think anybody, especially their fans expected them to lose like that.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP