A hostile crowd buoyed by New Zealand's perfect start to the World Cup is set to turn Eden Park into a bear pit for visiting Australia on Saturday, but all-rounder Shane Watson is "excited" by the prospect of a rancourous reception.

Both countries' fans have eagerly awaited the fixture, the first between the trans-Tasman Sea rivals in nearly two years and one likely to go a long way in deciding top spot in Pool A, which offers a more favourable position in the knockout rounds.

"I know Saturday is going to be hostile from the times I've played here before," Watson, who has played three times at Auckland's main venue, told media on Wednesday.

"I certainly know we're not favourites. That's the exciting thing about going out here.

"We know we're not very welcome. Players and fans try to do everything to prevent us winning."