Wollongong (13-11, 4th) are just 2-10 away from the WIN Entertainment Centre, but one victory came in the Land of the Long White Cloud in December.

Saville said the Hawks would take heart from their unbeaten record against New Zealand - who are only 7-5 at home - in 2009-10.

"There's no reason we shouldn't be confident because they are one of the two games we've won on the road this year," he said.

"Home court hasn't been a fortress for them; the amount of travel didn't seem to worry us last time and I don't see why it should be a problem this time.

"The only difference is they've brought in a new import (Kevin Braswell) and are playing pretty good basketball."

The two-time Olympian downplayed suggestions the Hawks had New Zealand's measure and called on the bench players to repeat their starring efforts from the memorable round 11 triumph.

That night, David Gruber had 16 points off the pine, while Tim Coenraad (nine points, three assists) and Rhys Martin (seven points, five rebounds, three assists) made vital contributions.

Martin has since been moved into the starting five to replace injured import Tywain McKee, who had 29 points, nine assists and five rebounds in the come-from-behind victory.

"Since we lost Ty, the mindset for us is we have to step up and that's the only way we're going to get into the finals," Saville said.

"Our bench was massive when we played over there."

Saville warned his side against starting slowly after a two-week break between games.

"The first five minutes are going to be crucial for us," Saville said.

"The last time we had a long break we came back home and got smashed by 20 (points) - that doesn't mean the break was the cause, but we have to be mindful of what went on."

The Breakers will be sweating on the fitness of centre Rick Rickert and rookie Tom Abercrombie, both of whom are nursing ankle injuries.