The Saints' utility back started the first two internationals against France and Australia as a substitute but could not have failed to impress boss Tony Smith when tossed into the fray.

He was particularly impressive in the 26-16 defeat against the Aussies at Wigan on Saturday – coming on in the final 40 minutes along with powerhouse forwards Eorl Crabtree of Huddersfield Giants, Bradford Bulls' Sam Burgess and Warrington's Ben Westwood and helping shell-shocked England restore a little pride by posting all the second-half points.

It looked as though the hosts were on the brink of suffering a similar fate to their 52-4 mauling against the Kangaroos in last year's World Cup Down Under when they trailed 26-0 at the interval.

But they showed typical Bulldog spirit by clawing their way to within 10 points of the Green and Golds and will need to repeat their second half performance if they have any hopes of polishing off the Kiwis in this weekend's crucial encounter.

Despite the defeat, Eastmond, who was drafted into the right centre role in the hope of helping plug an alarming defensive gap the Aussies had ruthlessly exposed with a five-try first-half broadside and also providing much-needed creativity, remained upbeat about his country's chances of progressing to the final which will be staged at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday, November 14 and going on to lift the trophy.

He said: "We showed by our performance in the final 40 minutes on Saturday that we are capable of winning the tournament.

"We nilled Australia in the second half – and not many sides will have done that in the past – and it give us added confidence going into the New Zealand game."

As to his own chances of making his first start in the competition, the 20-year-old said: "Whatever Tony says is right for the team is okay by me.

"If it means a starting berth, bringing me on as a substitute or not playing me at all that's is fine by me.

"I can play in several different positions and that helps me, but the only thing that really matters is the team doing well and getting the right result."

Kiwi second rower forward Greg Eastwood has already added fuel to the fire in the build up to the game by declaring it will not be just a battle but a war, especially among the forwards, where there will be old scores to settle.

Attention has been focused on the potentially explosive confrontation between England's Burgess and Fuifui Moimoi.

Two years ago Burgess, then aged 18 and making his international debut, poleaxed the New Zealander, dubbed 'the human wrecking ball' in the NRL, and no doubt fireworks will fly again when the two come face-to-face.

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