New Zealand great Gary Freeman says the Kiwis can make rugby league history in Hamilton and upset Australia in the inaugural Pacific Cup final.
The only rugby league Test the Kiwis have played at the venue, known as FMG Stadium, was against Tonga in 2017 when they lost 28-22 in an upset.
Australia beat New Zealand 36-18 on Saturday night in a Pacific Cup Test in Melbourne but former Kiwis half and captain Freeman, who played 46 Tests, said an improved display by halves Dylan Brown and Jahrome Hughes would go a long way to securing the hosts victory in Hamilton.
"New Zealand can win for sure but the half and five-eighth have got to work together better," Freeman told AAP.
"I agreed with Andrew Johns in commentary. Even though they play split sides now, the halves need to be one and two off the ruck to create opportunities for the backline.
"The biggest thing I noticed was how dangerous (hooker) Harry Grant was around the ruck when he came on for the Aussies. They need to make sure they dominate him and not let him run.
"On home soil in Hamilton on Saturday it will be absolute jam-packed like it was when we played Tonga in 2017, only this time it will be well and truly with Kiwi supporters. That will be a six to 12 point advantage off the bat."
Freeman said star New Zealand backs Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Joey Manu would relish playing in Hamilton, the city where they were born.
"When you consider the families that will turn up there to support them, I think that will be sensational for both of them," Freeman said.
"Dallin's game has gone to a new level this year. Warriors coach Andrew Webster has done a magnificent job with him.
"He looks like he has got all of his confidence back, plus some, and that makes him really dangerous.
"Joey is a player I just love to watch. In my day we had Kevin Iro. We called him 'the beast'. He was so powerful and could do anything. Joey is that player today. We just have to get him the ball and let him run."
Freeman said he was expecting a huge crowd to be in attendance.
"It is just an hour out of Auckland and people are going to travel for this game. It is a great occasion," he said.
"Playing a final in New Zealand is a real plus."
