Aaron Woods says fierce competition for spots can drive Kangaroos to greatness

Australia's Aaron Woods looks to evade the tackles of Lachlan Coote and Dale Ferguson in the Kangaroos' recent 54-12 win over Scotland in Hull. Photo / Photosport

Kangaroos prop Aaron Woods says the entire squad is "on its toes" as pressure mounts on securing spots in the top squad.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will recall a host of big names including Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and Darius Boyd to play the Kiwis on Sunday. But the exact make-up of what he deems to be his top squad is up in the air.

Valentine Holmes and Boyd Cordner will play with Meninga expected to again experiment before settling on his top side to play England in the final pool game. The outside backs and the make-up of Meninga's bench looms as the most contentious selection decisions.

Woods said Meninga had made it clear spots were on the line.

"No one is safe," Woods said.

"JT (Thurston) got rested and Jimmy Maloney killed them (Scotland). Everyone is on their toes. We have to work hard all week for the next game.

"(Meninga) wants everyone who gets the jersey to do their job and play like winners. You're playing for Australia, you don't want to let anyone down. It's a privilege to wear this jersey."

Meninga has focused on the start to games in the Kangaroos preparation. He has challenged his forward to confront the opposition head on.

Australia lived up to his expectations, blowing Scotland off the park, scoring five tries in the opening 25 minutes.

"We just wanted to start fast," Woods said.

"If you don't start well in these games you find yourselves 12-16 points behind. That was the focus all week to start fast and get over the advantage line and making our tackles in defence. It's a Test match, you have to start fast. It's part of the game. Myself, Dave Klemmer and Jake Trbojevic wanted to get the boys on the front foot to let Coops (Cooper Cronk) and Jimmy Maloney play off the back of it."

Woods is locked in a battle with the likes of Klemmer, Shannon Boyd and Trent Merrin for spots in the top 17. He skipped the emphatic victory in Perth to get married but said he did not put any extra pressure on himself to perform in the Four-Nations opener.

"Mal has been unreal and told me to play my normal game," Woods said. "He gave me a bit of extra (game) time and I was happy enough to stay on the field.

"I didn't put any extra pressure on myself. As long as I go out there and do my job for the team I know I've done the best job I can."