SAM Burgess has hyped up today's Four Nations opener against New Zealand as "do or die" as he bids to make a winning start as England captain.

The former Bulls star will skipper England for the first time in a Test match that Wayne Bennett's men are under pressure to win as they seek to reach the final at Anfield on November 20.

Six ex-Bradford players will line up against the Kiwis as Burgess, twin brothers Tom and George, John Bateman, Elliott Whitehead and Luke Gale are all included.

Looking ahead to this afternoon's showdown in Huddersfield, South Sydney star Burgess said: "We all know the importance of the game.

"It is Test match rugby and that's what it should be about – every game should be do or die.

"We have been preparing on a daily basis to get the best performance. I'm pretty sure it's going to be a good game and a really physical encounter.

"The Kiwis have got as good a side as I've seen for a while, so they will really test us. It will be a great challenge – but we are there to get the win."

Today's showdown will be the first time Burgess has played for England in the 13-man code since a heartbreaking loss to New Zealand in the 2013 World Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Burgess confirmed his status as one of the best players in the world during that match but Shaun Johnson's last-minute try condemned England to defeat.

"I have really mixed emotions over that game because as a child, I always wanted to play at Wembley," said Burgess.

"Having any chance with England is special enough but that was probably one of the greatest Test matches I have been a part of.

"It was also one of the most enjoyable games I've played in but then we lost so there are a lot of mixed emotions, although I was proud of the team at the time and the way we conducted ourselves.

"We should probably have shut the game out with 15 to 20 minutes to go – but that is sport. That is where you have to learn to improve.

"In Test match rugby, you have to take the chances you are given. I have kind of moved on from it now."

Former Bradford boss Steve McNamara was shown the door by the RFL and replaced by Bennett after last year's 2-1 Test series win over the Kiwis.

The veteran Aussie will lead England into next year's World Cup and Burgess said: "Wayne is a joy to be around.

"When it is business time it is business time. He's very honest with you and that is all you can ask as a player.

"The boys are enjoying it in camp and Wayne has brought s calming, simple way of looking at things.

"Once you have been in his company for a few days, you see what he is about and what makes him passionate.

"I think he really takes time to understand you individually as a person, not only as an athlete, but the boys love working with him."

BEN Kavanagh scored one of Scotland's two tries in last night's 54-12 defeat to Australia in the Four Nations opener at Hull KR.