Britain's fortunes slumped to an all-time low in the wake of their 3-0 whitewash by the Kiwis in 1996 and the jury is still out following their 2-1 defeat by Australia's contingent of Super League players 12 months ago.

But Andy Goodway's men go into Saturday's opener at the McAlpine Stadium as genuine favourites amid a new mood of guarded optimism.

The feel-good factor stems from a widespread recognition that standards have risen in Super League this year and an ability to put out a virtual full-strength British side for the first time for four years.

World-class three-quarters Jason Robinson, Gary Connolly and Paul Newlove were all absentees from the ill-fated 1996 trip Down Under while a spate of injuries 12 months ago robbed Goodway of the likes of Iestyn Harris, Tony Smith and Keiron Cunningham.

This time only Denis Betts is missing but, with players of the calibre of Adrian Morley, Chris Joynt and Paul Sculthorpe, Britain have such a wealth of back-row talent that Goodway has toyed with the idea of once more switching Andy Farrell to stand-off.

No guarantee for Paul

If Super League's 1998 Man of Steel does find himself on the bench, he will be in good company, for New Zealand can find no place in their starting line-up for the equally-talented Henry Paul.

Henry Paul: Unlikely to start on Saturday

The former Wigan ace helped the Kiwis to a memorable ANZAC Day victory in April but missed the October Tests because of his Grand Final Series commitments and coach Frank Endacott has kept faith with the side that went down to honourable back-to-back defeats.

New Zealand, on the verge of being crowned world champions until that double setback, have suffered serious blows with the loss of full-back Matthew Ridge and centre Richie Blackmore through injury.

Endacott is more than happy with the replacement goalkicker, Daryl Halligan, and his new captain, Quentin Pongia, but the absence of two of his key backs undoubtedly strengthens Britain's options behind the pack.

It is up front where the Kiwis are pinning their hopes and certainly the 18-stone Joe Vagana and 6ft 2in Stephen Kearney have the ability to pose plenty f problems for a new-look British pack.

Prop forwards Neil Cowie, Dale Laughton and Darren Fleary have just one Test cap between them but Goodway is confident that big hearts can compensate for any lack of size and experience.

"It will be very physical," Goodway said. "Frank Endacott has talked up the game quite a lot so the players know what to expect.