England centre Brad Barritt believes the secret to beating New Zealand is to not be overawed by their achievements.
Barritt admits that although people who like to bet on rugby probably won't be backing England when they face the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday, he is confident they can hand the world champions their first defeat since August 2011.
On the other end of the scale, however, England head into this showdown on the back of defeats to Australia and South Africa in recent weeks.
"There is no beating about the bush, they are the best team in the world - but no team is invincible," said the Saracens stalwart.
"We don't put any player on a pedestal. We won't go in there thinking they are Gods on a rugby field.
"There's a huge amount of belief in our team. There is something special about each person.
"In order to be here you're a natural born winner and you'll do anything to get to that position to win.
"We're against an opponent that's been unbeaten over the past two years but this is a huge opportunity for us.
"At the end of the day they're just humans with two legs and two arms, albeit performing to the optimum level.
"We need to raise our game and really impose what we can on them and not give them any status that's going to help them," insisted Barritt, who will be looking to prove he and Manu Tuilagi can be an effective attacking midfield pairing, with the duo criticised for a lack of creative flair in recent Tests.
The All Blacks have swept all before them while in Europe this tour, defeating Scotland (51-22), Italy (42-10) and Wales (33-10) and are almost a rugby betting sure-thing away from finishing 2012 unbeaten.
"They're undoubtedly the best attacking team at the moment," added Barritt.
"We take huge pride in what we do on defence. I think Scotland and Wales hung off them and allow them their moves.
"We have a different philosophy - getting off the line and putting pressure on teams.
"You have to do everything as clinically as you can, all the time. There's no reason why we can't pull off an upset."
Comments
ArmchairGeneral says...
Shut up Barritt!! Why say that. Since when were you the expert on how to beat the ABs? How would you know at all?
Posted 21:07 28th November 2012
NHsaints says...
@cuw3100 true, however I've never seen Barritt miss a tackle in the England shirt and you can sure as hell bet the Tuilagi vs Smith battle will be an interesting one...in fact I wouldn't be surprised if we see Tuilagi picking out Carter and Smith from the backline on saturday. I really don't see England winning though, if we can run them close (within 20 points) I'll be happy.
Posted 19:42 28th November 2012
Isograford says...
Well talk about stating the obvious, even the best sides have an off day and lose occasionally. Given the amount of travel the All Blacks have had to do this year, and the ridiculously long calender, it wouldn't surprise if they did trip up right at the end.
Everything really is in Englands favour to do so.
Posted 18:04 28th November 2012
rugbylover says...
@Londonwasp. Keep supporting the girls. The route to success............
Posted 15:17 28th November 2012
passtheball says...
Good luck with Nonu. Sooner you then me.
Posted 14:16 28th November 2012
rugbylover says...
Look, with Latin & me, hope springs eternal.................
Hmmmmmmmm.
There will be 2 teams there = 50/50 at the moment of kick-off. I'm with Brad Barritt & Lawrence Dalaglio oft-times said, '.....if you don't think you've any chance - why turn up?"
Anyway, it will be a delight to see them - despite the hysteria [you can bet it will fire them up - thanks Jones & Reason. Fools.
Posted 13:43 28th November 2012
cuw3100 says...
@ kappelange:
CRUDEN : 1.75m, 82kg
CARTER : 1.78, 93kg
BARRET :1.87m, 90kg
JANE :1.83m, 88kg
GEAR: 1.88m, 102kg
DAGG: 1.86m, 95kg
SAVEA: 1.90m, 104kg
NONU: 1.82m, 104kg
ELLISON :1.84m, 96kg
C SMITH : 1.86m, 95kg
B SMITH : 1.88m, 85kg
Conrad Smith is neither the tallest nor the heaviest back in MIB line.
Posted 13:38 28th November 2012
trianglechoke says...
Latin I will bet you money that England will lose !
Posted 13:19 28th November 2012
LondonWasp says...
england women Vs NZ women
23 Nov: England 16-13 New Zealand
27 Nov: England 17-8 New Zealand
Why isn't Womens rugby getting more video coverage and recognition? If the mens team did this, Plant Rugby comments section would explode!!!!!!!!
and yes NZ are beatable, but not by England just yet- couple of years maybe....
Posted 11:35 28th November 2012
undecided says...
Jannie Du Plessis forgot his game socks in the locker room, Barritt has then found and susequently smoked them.
Posted 11:25 28th November 2012
Golden_statenba says...
Again same as Wales story last week
Groundhog Day!
Posted 11:15 28th November 2012
GCP_jones says...
Yeah But not this weekend,
The AB's have not lost an November International in 10 years, that is a terrible reflection on European Rugby.
All the best against them on Saturday England.
Posted 11:11 28th November 2012
APV1 says...
"There is no beating about the bush, they are the best team in the world - but no team is invincible," True.
Unlikely this weekend, but here's hoping!
Posted 10:46 28th November 2012
kappelange says...
Where did this misconseption originate that Conrad Smith is a small player. Have you seen the man up close? He is ripped plus he is the tallest back in the AB team atm.
English media is getting their players heads again, two close losses at home to second string sides and all of the sudden you think you can mix it with the best. Well this week you are facing the best and guess what...they are at full strength.
New Zealand to up 45 past them if Carter plays.
Posted 10:36 28th November 2012
Centre12 says...
England could beat NZ, but not with Barritt anywhere near the field
Posted 10:11 28th November 2012
GreenDip says...
What have they been smoking in the England camp?
Posted 10:11 28th November 2012
spike19 says...
You are right Mr Barritt of course no team is invincible and this Allblacks team will eventually be beaten. But not by you and certainly not by England/The Commonwealth!
Posted 09:48 28th November 2012
Kiwikev says...
@ latin
How much have you wagered on that outcome?
Posted 09:11 28th November 2012
cuw3100 says...
HMMMM Brave words boy! but that is what u are , just a boy against Nonu & Smith. If there is ever a player who proves heart is bigger than size, then that is Conrad Smith.
Take a video and look at all the tackles he made against Wales; round the ankles and then up over. so much for the welsh BIg boys, again they were boys .....
Posted 08:57 28th November 2012
latin says...
england is going to win
Posted 08:46 28th November 2012