BRIAN Smith believes New Zealand's shock defeat of the Kangaroos in last week's Rugby League World Cup Final can help inspire England this weekend."There are times when you're going to have your backs against wall," the England Attack Coach told today's rfu.com podcast, ahead of Saturday's Investec Challenge match against the All Blacks at Twickenham."
As raging favourites, Australia dominated the tournament. But in the final, New Zealand were still in the game after 60 minutes and they were good enough to beat the team everyone else considered untouchable. There's a lesson there for us."
A former Ireland and Australia international himself, Smith insists the learning curve is part and parcel of the team's development. "I've been around the block enough to know that winning and losing are all part of the process."If you get distracted by either it can get you unstuck.
The most important thing is to reinforce the things that were good and address the things that were bad. If you've got a commitment to do that and you work your tail off, then you'll get there in the end."With the All Blacks looking for a third straight tour victory, Smith accepts that England are the underdogs on Saturday, but warned, "Understand this. In this year's Tri-Nations series, New Zealand lost to South Africa, then they lost to Australia.
They were staring down at a third straight defeat. But they went on to win it."One of three changes to the line up that faced South Africa last week, Danny Cipriani this week takes his place on the bench, making way for Leicester Tiger Toby Flood.
"I can completely understand the coaches' decision," admitted the 21-year-old."There's no hard feelings here. I'm looking forward to going out there any hopefully play some rugby. There's no pain in the foot whatsoever, it's fine. I just need to get that consistency of performance in my game. I've shown some glimpses but it's only seven games in, hopefully after another two or three I will be there."Should he come on, Cipriani is looking forward to the prospect of facing Dan Carter.
"Dan and Richie McCaw are inspiring characters. You see the way they play their rugby and the way they carry themselves, they are fantastic. There's a lot for me to learn still. This is just another step along the path to being as strong a player as I can be."Carter too is quick to compliment both England's young fly halves.
"I was expecting to come up against Danny this week, I'm sure he'll get some game time. He's still young and I'm sure it won't be the last we see of him, he's got a lot of talent and if he keeps working hard then he's capable of being one of England's best."I think Toby is a pretty similar player.
If England can get things going forward and give him front foot ball then he'll certainly be a player to watch out for."The match is for the first time being played for the Hillary Shield, in honour of New Zealand icon, the late Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb Everest in 1953.Said Carter, "Edmund Hillary is pretty special to New Zealanders."It's the first time we'll be playing for this trophy so we'll be pretty keen to get our names on it first. We've been a bit slack this tour in not starting well and giving people a sniff early on.
"We realised we're playing against a tough opposition, England are fortunate to have Martin Johnson, he's a real leader and I'm sure the guys look up to him and want to perform their best. I'm sure they'll be very fired up for him and the fans.
"It won't be the end of rugby on these shores for the likes of Richie McCaw and Joe Rokocoko, they'll be joining a myriad of rugby stars to play for the Barbarians against Australia at Wembley next Wednesday.
It's the centenary of the London Olympics match between Australia and Great Britain, who at that time were represented by Cornwall. Fans can avoid the booking fee by buying tickets through Middlesex County, priced from £30 for adults and £15 for under 16s. Contact Phil Duffy on 07736 517729 or e-mail philipduffy@rfu.com before Tuesday.For the full interviews, check out the rfu.com podcast every Thursday (from 4pm).
