GIANTS coach Jon Sharp believes Great Britain can make a positive start to their Tri-Nations campaign.

Sharp will be at Lions' head coach Brian Noble's side when they face New Zealand in Christchurch tomorrow (8am British time).

It promises to be a tough opener for the British, with the Kiwis still smarting from their last-gasp 20-15 defeat in Australia six days ago.

With New Zealand having also lost to the Kangaroos the week before, it looks like a straight battle between tomorrow's sides to determine who plays Australia in the Tri-Nations final on Saturday, November 25.

And Sharp sees no reason why it can't be the Lions.

"We've prepared well," said Sharp. "When we started our Tri-Nations campaign against New Zealand last year we weren't ready.

"That was reflected with the way they turned us over at Loftus Road. But this time, we've spent more time together, worked very hard and I expect us to hit the ground running.

"There's a steely determination among the players to make up for not reaching last year's final.

"We know New Zealand are on home soil, but we just see it as a piece of grass.

"We fully respect New Zealand and what they are capable of doing. But we're focusing on us and what is required to get the win.

"We know that if we play to our potential we can beat anyone."