The Kiwis, the "other" New Zealand rugby team currently in the northern hemisphere, don't have the glamour of the All Blacks, but their status is higher than ever thanks to the New Zealand Warriors reaching the grand final of the Australian competition. What's more, there are much shorter odds on a New Zealand win against Great Britain tonight than against England this afternoon. The second-row Ruben Wiki, probably the hardest Kiwi tackler in either code but out today with a thumb injury, contrasts his touring party with union's most famous team.

How does it feel touring at the same time as the All Blacks?

Well, we're all here representing our country and wearing the black shirt, even if ours has a white V. They get more press than us, probably, but that doesn't worry us.

Is there any contact between the two teams?

There is for me, because I'm still good mates with Tana Umaga - we played in the centre for the Junior Kiwis league team before he went over to rugby union. It's good that we've both gone pretty well. I think the two teams will be getting together in the next couple of weeks; there's some talk of having a golf day. We're up in Leeds and they're in the south, so it will probably be somewhere in the middle.

Is there a similar regional divide between the codes in New Zealand?

No, league and union are played in both North and South islands, and in all the major cities.

What about the class divide?

I think we all get along pretty well. It's probably fair to say that league is a working-class sport - strong in places like south Auckland, where I'm from. And for most people, it's still a case of sticking with the game you're brought up with - I'm a league bloke; I've never played rugby union. But the success the Warriors have had this year has made an impact all around the country.

What sort of impact?

It's not easy for me to say, because I've spent so long playing for the Canberra Raiders. But the other blokes reckon it was huge back home when the Warriors finished top of the Aussie comp and then got to the grand final. Guys like Stacey [Jones] and Ali [Lauiti'iti] are big news now.

Who's better, the Kiwis or the All Blacks?

They're two different codes. This league squad has some great players; with rugby union I reckon they kick too much.

How will the interest compare in New Zealand?

The All Blacks are huge, obviously. But there will be plenty of people keen to see how we go - especially with the game kicking off a bit later, which means it's early Sunday morning at home rather than the middle of the night.