Nonu - We want a big game

Nonu: Wary of English backlash

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

Ma'a Nonu
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Ma'a Nonu has warned his New Zealand team-mates that England are "about to explode" ahead of Saturday's clash at Twickenham.

Martin Johnson's side go into their final autumn international off the back of a disappointing loss to Australia and a laboured win over an understrength Argentina.

However Nonu expects the home side to come out fighting this weekend, particularly now they have picked a physical starting XV.

Ayoola Erinle will make his first international start in the centres while Simon Shaw and Joe Worsley have been drafted in to add weight to the pack.

More rugby

"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."

Nonu's presence in midfield seems to have had an impact on Johnson's team selection, with the powerful Erinle, rather than Shane Geraghty, who has been dropped to the bench, being picked at inside centre.

"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," Nonu said of his future opponent.

"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."

Big game

New Zealand have managed victories over Wales and Italy so far on their European tour off the back of their triumph over Australia in Tokyo.

However Nonu - who has been on the losing side against England just once in five matches - on his debut back in 2003 - has warned England that the best is still yet to come from Graham Henry's team.

"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."