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Nonu under no illusions

20th November 2009 13:18

Ma a Nonu try NZ v France 2009

Ma'a Nonu: Wary of England

Ma'a Nonu fears embattled England are ready to "explode" as they attempt to salvage some pride from an autumn beset by problems.

New Zealand are overwhelming favourites to record an eighth successive victory over England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Despite an appalling injury list, pressure is mounting on Martin Johnson and his coaching team following poor performances against Australia and Argentina.

But Nonu, the All Blacks' bulldozing centre with 44 caps, expects a frenzied response.

"I haven't forgotten what England did at the World Cup in 2003," he said.

"They're about to explode at the moment. They've been under the pump.

"The fans want to see them play more rugby and they'll be looking to do that against us."

England have been accused of adopting a policy of damage limitation by picking inside centre Ayoola Erinle and blindside flanker Joe Worsley.

Erinle's inclusion at the expense of the more creative and less physical Shane Geraghty is a nod to Nonu, one of the best line breakers in the game.

The selection suggests there will be little wit or guile to England's gameplan, but Nonu believes they are capable or playing with greater ambition.

"I've had a look at Erinle and seen some of the games he's played for Biarritz. He's a big boy. It will be a tough challenge," he said.

"I guess the physical approach has always been England's game. I thought Geraghty had played well in the last two Tests.

"He compliments Jonny Wilkinson well. He's got a big boot but the size of Erinle suggests they want to play a more direct game.

"They played pretty well against Australia when they went wide. They've got a lot of skill in the backline.

"They can either be direct or use a lot of second-hand play. Those boys are big but they are skilful at the same time."

New Zealand have accumulated victories over Australia, Wales and Italy so far this tour, yet Nonu feels the best is yet to come.

"In Wales there was a lot of hype that week and we could have actually played a bit better," he said.

"We had a few tries disallowed and it didn't really reflect the game, we still won 19-12. And last week against Italy was a frustrating game.

"We want a big game, like one of those games we've always produced, one of those Test matches like we played last year."

Nonu has been on the losing side against England just once in five matches - on his debut in 2003 - and admits he has reserved a special place in his heart for trips to London.

"I always enjoy playing England," he said.

"When I was a kid I didn't come from a good background but we had this map in primary school with a picture of Big Ben on it.

"As an eight-year-old I wondered would I ever get to London to see Big Ben.

"I've been fortunate enough to see it a few times now. It's just an inspiration to be here."

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