Shane Watson expects a hostile reception in Saturday’s World Cup clash at Eden Park, but New Zealand coach Mike Hesson insists his players won’t be part of it.

Watson, one of few in Australia’s squad to have experience at the Auckland venue, predicted his teammates would cop plenty of abuse from the locals.

“I know it’s going to be very hostile,” Watson said of the blockbuster match between the two tournament favourites.

“But that’s the exciting thing about going to play in New Zealand, we know we’re not very welcome.

“The New Zealand players, but also the fans, will be doing everything they can to make sure we don’t win.”

David Warner was of the same opinion, tipping the vast majority of the sell-out crowd would be there to “boo us and give us crap”.

Hesson was unwilling to comment about the crowd reception in store for Australia.

However, he guaranteed his charges would not be getting involved in any on-field spats with the likes of Warner and Watson.

“We don’t get too caught up in that sort of stuff,” Hesson said.

“We’re pretty respectful of our opposition and we’re competitive, but we pretty much focus on our own job.

“We don’t have a rule, but as I said we’re just respectful of our opposition.”

Hesson suggested his team would cope just fine with any sledging that comes their way on the weekend.

“We deal with plenty of sides that provide that and we just tend to go about our work,” he said.

New Zealand legend Richard Hadlee was optimistic the game would be played in the right spirit.

“I hope the players will respect that,” Hadlee said.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with a little bit of banter but, verbal abuse, there is no part in the game for that.”