Kiwis captain Adam Blair has admitted the team are playing for more than just a spot in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals, they're also playing for their jobs.
New Zealand play Fiji tomorrow in the quarter-finals and the skipper has conceded spots are up for grabs for future selection in the black jumper.
"It's important that we go out there and do everything we can possible, wear that jersey with pride and play it," Blair said.
"Everyone is passionate and proud to be able to wear this jersey, so everything is on the line, not only everyone's job, but our positions in this team.
"It's a tough industry, jobs are on the line. We see that all the time in the football that we play."
Having lost to Tonga last week, the Kiwis will have to go through a high-flying Fijian side, led by the likes of NRL superstar Jarryd Hayne and the tournament's top try-scorer, Suliasi Vunivalu.
But Blair is confident his side have prepared well ahead of the crucial encounter and will look to improve on the performance they put out against Mate Ma'a.
"It's important we focus on those things that we can control and the things we work on all week to be better," Blair said.
"We've worked really hard defensively. I said last week, we've been really good, but up against a Tongan side, we let ourselves down in that area.
"Discipline's been really good this week - training's been really solid in defence and in attack."
The Warriors-bound forward hopes the Kiwis can do the New Zealand public proud and is adamant the players will leave it all out on the field, as they look to set-up a potential semi-finals showdown against the Kangaroos.
"We just got to go out there, do our jobs and really knuckle down, and do our country and everyone proud.
"It's do or die now. We're happy that we're here in the quarters, but we got a job to do now."
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