Australian hooker Cameron Smith believes if Tim Sheens suffers his first defeat as Kangaroos coach at the hands of New Zealand on Saturday night it should not cost him his job.

Sheens has not tasted defeat in nine Tests since taking over from Ricky Stuart in 2009.

But another major loss to the Kiwis, who have drawn on their stunning Suncorp Stadium upset over Australia in the 2008 World Cup final which was ultimately Stuart's downfall, would spark calls for his head.

"Tim's got a fair record. You lose one final, I think it would be a pretty tough call to say he should go," said 20 Test veteran Smith.

"He's done a pretty good job so far and he's got a great record.

"I'd like to see him back again. I've been very happy working under Tim and I know all the other boys have as well."

Meanwhile, Sheens again declined to reveal the make-up of his four-man interchange bench after the Kangaroos wrapped up preparations with a light run at Suncorp Stadium on Friday morning.

Sheens will keep the Kiwis guessing until an hour before kick off, although veteran forward Petero Civoniceva is out of the running for his 45th Test.

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