THE Kiwis go into the Test series as favourites and they are certainly a talented group.

Led by the man dubbed the "Little General", skipper Stacey Jones, they have the ability to tough it out when they need to and break free and play some expansive rugby when they have the opportunity.

Jones, who leads a squad predominantly made up of his New Zealand Warriors team-mates, is regarded as one of the best half-backs in Australia's NRL and he is the man Great Britain need to watch.

But they are far from being a one man band.

Also very influential is hooker Richard Swain, who plays his league rugby with Melbourne Storm, who is the springboard to many a Kiwi attack.

And the New Zealand pack is not short on stars.

Former skipper Stephen Kearney, another Melbourne Storm player, has a wealth of experience in the second row and their back row is also likely to feature Penrith Panthers explosive Tony Puletua, a powerful runner with a great deal of vision when it comes to defence splitting handling.

But perhaps the face best known to British followers of the game is that of Robbie Paul.

The Bradford back, a Lance Todd trophy winner when he became the first man to score a hat-trick of tries in a Challenge Cup final for the Bulls against St

Helens in 1996, could serve New Zealand coach Gary Freeman as either a centre or at full-back.

Paul is a match-winner and his ability to produce the unexpected at precisely the right moment makes him a big threat to British hopes.

Also gunning for a first Test place is the only other British-based player in the Kiwis squad, Castleford Tigers' forward Michael Smith.

He is hoping to make the most of his late call to arms.

Smith was brought into the squad by Freeman due to injury problems, but has quickly found his feet despite the squad being predominantly made up of players from Australia's NRL competition.

Smith got his chance after front rower Andrew Lomu was ruled out of the tour needing shoulder surgery.

That came on top of the Kiwis' loss of front rower Craig Smith and winger Matt Utai, both of whom required ankle surgery.

Another familiar face will be that of dangerous three-quarter Nigel Vagana.

Operating on either the wing or in the centre, the Canterbury Bulldog is a supreme finisher, which was proved by the string of tries he scored in Super League while with Warrington Wolves.

New Zealand Squad

Monty Betha...NZ warriors

Jason Cayless...Sydney Roosters

Henry Fa'afili...NZ Warriors

Awen Guttnbeil...NZ Warriors

Lance Hohaia...NZ Warriors

Stacey Jones...NZ Warriors

Stephen Kearney...Melbourne

Ali Lauiti'iti...NZ Warriors

Francis Meli...NZ Warriors

Pobbie Paul... Bradford Bulls

Tony Puletua...Penrith Panthers

Paul Rauhihi...Canterbury

Jerry Seu Seu...NZ Warriors

Michael Smith...Castleford Tigers

David Solomona...Parramatta Eels

Richard Swain...Melbourne

Logan Swann...NZ Warriors

Motu Tony...NZ Warriors

Clinton Toopi...NZ Warriors

David Vaealiki...Parramatta Eels

Nigel Vagana...Canterbury

Ruben Wiki...Canberra Raiders