MELBOURNE Nov 1 AAP – Skipper Cameron Smith rates Australia’s rugby league rivalry with England greater than the one the Kangaroos share with New Zealand ahead of Sunday’s must-win Four Nations clash.

The Kangaroos need to defeat England at AAMI Park to keep their tournament hopes alive, in a clash that commemorates the 100-year anniversary of Rorke’s Drift Test in Sydney when a British team, reduced to 10 men, won the deciding Test 14-6.

The Anzac Test between New Zealand and Kangaroos has become a regular feature of the Australian season, but Smith believes the trans-Tasman rivalry is shaded by that enjoyed between England and Australia.

“I really enjoy playing against England, probably more so than the Kiwis, it just seems there is a little bit more tradition between Australia and England,” Smith said.

“To be able to play in front of a Victorian crowd in such a big Test wearing the heritage jumpers, it is a big occasion.

“For the team it is a huge challenge, we are playing against a very good football side and we are backs to the wall.

“If we don’t win this one we will be out of the competition so we want to make sure we play well and give ourselves a chance of being there at the end.”

If England do topple Australia, the Kangaroos will miss the final of a major tournament for the first time since the 1954 world cup.

New Zealand host Samoa at Whangarei, in the other Four Nations clash this weekend on Saturday.