Bring on All Blacks say English press

The English press were full of praise for the England second XV who beat New Zealand Maori 23-9 at New Plymouth.

"Sometimes you learn more about a team on a wet Monday night in Taranaki than on countless Twickenham occasions, and this result will raise numerous Kiwi eyebrows," the Guardian newspaper said in a prominent story.

"It is accepted wisdom throughout the rugby world that only a good side can topple the Maori; this was their first defeat by a touring side since the 1993 Lions.

"Still more unsettling for New Zealand coach John Mitchell was the superiority of the English pack, who offered a tantalising glimpse here in New Plymouth of what may lie ahead if the All Black forwards fail to get a grip in Wellington on Saturday."

The Daily Telegraph agreed the result was sure to create an increased wariness of the England test side among the New Zealand public.

"Even though they are used to mild tremors down here in the shaky isles, few locals expected the massive jolt to the equilibrium handed out by England on a rain-lashed night at the Yarrow Stadium," journalist Mick Cleary wrote.

The Times said England had left all those who had predicted a New Zealand Maori win "red-faced."

It said England had been given a "banana skin" as a warm-up game and the players and management avoided any slip-up.

The newspaper said the England test XV watching the game on television in Wellington would now be more wary of the pressure they were under to hold on to their positions.

The English have a press corps of 12 following the team around New Zealand and next week in Australia ahead of the test against the Wallabies.

- NZPA