A TRADITIONAL rivalry spanning more than three decades will resume when Mount Isa's New Zealand rugby players stare down and challenge the Rest of the World in an exhibition match tomorrow night.
The annual event on the Mount Isa sporting and cultural calendar kicked off in the mid-seventies and commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Over the years, the game has thrown up plenty of thrilling moments and in the last two decades, the ledger between the New Zealanders and the Rest of the World can't be more even.
With each side having won eight games and three draws bragging rights are on the line.
The New Zealand team will be coached by the experienced and passionate Mark Wilkinson who has been at the helm of the side for five out of the past six years.
Wilkinson who has guided the New Zealand side to victory in the last three encounters said he was expecting a tough contest despite recent success.
"I imagine the Rest of the World side will be fired up to hit back after three losses in a row," he said.
And losing is something Wilkinson does not want to contemplate.
"Although we've won this game for the last three years, I have also been there when we have lost, so I know what losing feels like," he said.
Wilkinson said due to the significance of the day, the New Zealand side always played with passion and commitment.
"I think the desire to win on such an important day in New Zealand's history is what maybe gives us an edge," Wilkinson said.
The kiwi coach said his side was blessed with skill across the paddock with stars such as Eli Sweeney, Zemic Patuwai, John Tamati and Kaine Manihera all capable of causing the Rest of the World side some problems.
New Zealand captain Nick Ngatai once more brings his experience to the side and will bark orders to a forward pack boasting the likes of Josh Munokoa from Keas and Hamish Chrisp from Cloncurry.
Wilkinson said despite having a star studded line-up, the game would not be won by skill alone.
"Both sides will have some fantastic players so I think the key to winning the game will be to go hard right from the start," he said.
"We have to put them on the back foot from the kick-off and not let them into the game."
Returning to coach the Rest of the World side is Jamie McLauchlan who believes his side will need to match the New Zealanders for passion to arrest the run of defeats.
"I definitely think we can beat them but it will mean our guys will need to want the game as much as them," McLauchlan said.
"We will have to work hard and play for one another which is something I don't think has happened over the past few years."
The Rest of the World will be captained by Keas' James Allnutt who makes his debut in the annual battle.
Allnutt said he was looking forward to being part of the traditional clash and felt the side had a good chance of reversing recent results.
"We haven't had the best run lately and all the players are very keen put the Rest of the World back on top," he said.
Cloncurry captain Cameron Moore and Warrigals duo Zyron George and Cody Saltmere were players Allnutt said could play a key role.
Allnutt said he expected a physical game with the kiwis intent on making a statement.
"We will go out knowing what to expect and we have to make sure we stand up to them," he said.
The exhibition match and the evening will be supported by the Swap it Don't Stop It campaign with both sides happy to promote a healthy life style.
The Rest of the World side will also be wearing pink jerseys to raise funds and awareness towards breast cancer.
Gates open at 6pm at Rugby Park with kick-off at 7.30pm. Entry costs $5 for adults and $1 for children.
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