England fly-half Owen Farrell insists he is afraid of nobody ahead of Saturday's Test against the All Blacks at Twickenham.
Farrell's comments highlights England's attitude ahead of their clash with the world champions.
"New Zealand are a world-class team," he said.
"They are unbeaten in 20 matches - that is the challenge to look forward to, there is no point being scared of it.
"Rugby is a game that I love. It's not a game that I'm scared of.
"It may be a game against the best team in the world but it is still another game of rugby.
"I know we've been on the wrong side of two results (against Australia and South Africa) but we've got better and better and we've pushed teams right to the end.
"Hopefully it's time to win one this weekend."
There's been a huge outcry over the Saracens stalwart's inclusion on the shortlist for the IRB Player of the Year award but the 21-year-old is as shocked as much as anyone else by his nomination.
England coach Stuart Lancaster believes Farrell's no-fear mentality is what makes him a special player. Lancaster was impressed with Farrell's temperament when he was dropped from the Test team during their tour to South Africa in June.
Despite that setback, he played a vital role off the replacements bench when England secured a 14-14 draw in the last Test of the series in Port Elizabeth.
"He has huge qualities," Lancaster said.
"I don't think the nomination has made any difference to Owen. It hasn't made him any more apprehensive or more confident in his own ability.
"He is a pretty grounded lad. I don't think he will be getting carried away.
"He will be concentrating primarily on the challenge of managing an England team against the All Blacks and playing against Dan Carter.
"One thing Owen has got above a lot of players, he has big game temperament. It is a quality that is very important in international rugby."
Comments
ArmchairGeneral says...
"He has huge qualities," Lancaster said.
Is that what you call them! A huge pair of qualities. He's got "qualities" to say that he does not fear them. Fear tends to kick in the 2nd time you play them. Burns should get 79 minutes and Farrell will forget what happened since Wednesday.
Posted 12:37 30th November 2012
masar says...
how could he be afraid?? he's one of the top 4 players un the WOOOOOOORLD !!
Posted 11:39 30th November 2012