Sivivatu hits out at England's wings
All Blacks wing Sitiveni Sivivatu has added to England's woes by questioning the work ethic of wings Topsy Ojo and David Strettle.
All Blacks wing Sitiveni Sivivatu has added to England's woes by questioning the work ethic of wings Topsy Ojo and David Strettle.
Ojo, who scored two tries on debut in the first Test, and Strettle came in for criticism from Sivivatu who continued his try-a-game record.
Both of Ojo's tries were scored completely against the run of play, including one from an intercept he snared near his side's own try-line.
While impressed with the pace the English backs occasionally showed Sivivatu said he believed they were guilty of not always giving their all.
“They are pretty good, they are pretty fast,” Sivivatu told NZPA
“But I felt like they saved themselves, they probably don't work hard enough like we do. But they are pretty quick.”
Despite his harsh words Sivivatu is aware that the second Test could be a different story, and to that effect is not writing England off just yet.
“We don't write teams off,” Sivivatu said.
“They are a great side, a great team.
“Next week it is going to be a different game. They will bring everything they have got next week.
“There is a lot of experienced guys in that backline.
“Barkley and Tindall, they provide a lot of leadership in that backs. Next week is going to be interesting.”
Sivivatu's comments come on the back of those made by his coach Graham Henry who questioned England's tactics at the scrum – notably the fact the game went to uncontested scrums late in the second half.
With Hurricanes duo Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu showing up well in the centre Sivivatu said they are a pleasure to play outside.
“They are special players those two, they have played together for a long time,” he said.
“And they bring their own skills with them. So it is really good to see how they are going.
“They are working really well at the moment, probably because they have been playing together at the Hurricanes and they know each others games.
“I think he (Nonu) knows what he is capable of.
“Ma'a is very much now the experienced player. It is good to see him coming back with his potential again.
“I think he is happy there. He looks to be happy there.”