Rookie Australian coach Ricky Stuart has turned to his toughest opponent Allan Langer to inspire his players for the battle against New Zealand.

Stuart and Langer were tremendous halfback rivals through the 90s for their clubs and state.

When it came to wearing the Australian No.7 jumper they were even fiercer rivals.

Stuart, big on passion, could not have picked anyone better than Langer to present his players with their Test jumpers on the eve of what many believe is the most important Test in years following the Kiwis' 24-0 Tri-Nations upset six months ago.

"It'll be a special occasion for the boys," said Stuart before the official presentation ceremony.

"Alf's a real good bloke and he was a great player for Australia.

"He's a real character, the sort of person that fits the theme of what we're trying to build here."

Stuart desperately wants his players to carry more passion and desire onto the field to match the Kiwis on Friday night.

Twelve players from the heavy loss will back up and Stuart admits he'd be disappointed if they didn't want to square up with the Kiwis.

"You'd be disappointed if they didn't want to make amends," he said.

"I know it's in the back of the minds of those guys involved in that game who'd love to turn the tables around.

"But it won't just happen.

"Just because we have Darren Lockyer, Andrew Johns and Danny Buderus, probably the best players in their positions in the game, it won't happen automatically."

Stuart believes Kiwi five-eighth Benji Marshall, who's been insured against injury, will play injured and has been asked to carry too much pressure on his fragile young shoulders.

Marshall though could be spared the ferocious opening minutes and come off the bench but Stuart is expecting the Wests Tigers whiz kid to start.

Thomas Leuluai is an option but Kiwi coach Brian McClennan was playing his cards close to his chest on Thursday.

"I think he (Marshall) will start but if he doesn't, he'll be on at some stage," said Stuart.

"He's a great player, but there's a lot at stake for Benji.

"He's playing injured, he's got a concern for his club and he has to put a performance on for his team.

"There's a bit of pressure on the kid so we'll see how he comes up tomorrow night."

Marshall is not the only "kid" who'll come under intense pressure with 19-year-old Australia rookie fullback Karmichael Hunt sure to be tested by New Zealand in the nervous opening minutes.

Hunt has been subjected to constant attacks following his decision to play for Australia and not his native New Zealand.

Asked if Hunt had the courage to handle what would come his way, Stuart said: "He wouldn't be in the Test side if he didn't."

Stuart did not play the Andrew Johns and Ben Kennedy farewell Test card.

"I think the players know that. We haven't spoken about it but I'm sure the players will want to wish them all the best in their last Test.

"It's not something we'll build our game on or use as a motivating factor."

Stuart met with Test referee Ashley Klein to get his interpretation on several rulings.

"He's refereeing in a different country so it was just getting clarification on his interpretations around the ruck and his calls with the dominant and surrender tackles," said Stuart.

More than 40,000 tickets have been sold with the Kiwis likely to have good support after humiliating Australia last year.

"There's been a lot of media coverage and a lot of interest from the public, that's what Test matches are all about," said Stuart.

"They're about tough games, games that are won through attitude and the desire.

"With two great teams tomorrow night we've got a real Test match on our hands."

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