Milner-Skudder “blown away” by nomination

Editor

All Blacks winger Nehe Milner-Skudder admitted that he was shocked to be nominated as one of the best newcomers by World Rugby.

The Hurricanes flyer was speaking at Monday's media conference by New Zealand at their hotel base in Weybridge.

Milner-Skudder has been in and around the top of the stats for clean breaks and metres made in the competition so far along with scoring five tries, completing a remarkable year for the 24-year-old.

“I’ve just heard about it and I’m blown away," he said on Monday.

"I’m enjoying every minute of it at the moment and it’s a privilege to be nominated for that award.”

Milner-Skudder only made his Test debut earlier this year against Australia and was outstanding in both of his opening games against the Wallabies, who the All Blacks will face on Saturday in this year's World Cup final.

Looking back on whether his experience of those games was useful ahead of the weekend he stated that he had enjoyed both his meetings with Michael Cheika's side so far.

“I don’t mind who I play against," he added.

"The chance to be in the black jersey is pretty awesome.

"I had a bit of fun in those first two tests so it will be awesome to go against them if I get the chance.”