Steve Borthwick tells skysports.com he is excited and honoured at the prospect of leading a new-look England against the All Blacks.
England skipper "excited" by All Blacks challenge
Newly appointed captain Steve Borthwick admits he is excited and honoured at the prospect of leading a new look England squad against the All Blacks this summer.
England manager Martin Johnson has given call-ups to six new players ahead of the daunting trip to the southern hemisphere, however Borthwick remains unfazed by the challenge ahead.
Speaking to
skysports.com the 28-year-old spoke of his admiration for other members of the touring squad, and revealed his determination to lead by example in the absence of recognised skipper Phil Vickery.
"We have an excellent squad," Borthwick told
skysports.com. "We have got a mixture of World Cup winners and phenomenal young players and it will be an exciting test for all of us.
"It's a huge honour for me to be leading out the team. I pride myself on a strong work ethic and level of discipline.
"The captain must perform to the best of their ability on the pitch - that is the most important thing."
Intensity
Borthwick has already sampled two tours of New Zealand - the Bath lock was a part of the 2003 squad that enjoyed a rare 15-13 win, as well as the side which suffered 36-3,and 36-12 defeats in 2004.
Preparing for his first tour as skipper, Borthwick recalled the intensity of his last trip to New Zealand and admitted the defeats were an eye-opening - or eye-closing following an altercation in the first Test - and incredible experience.
"From a rugby point of view it's an incredible test and challenge," he said. "The standard and intensity is incredible and it will be a really tough and exciting test for myself and the lads.
"New Zealand showed (in 2004) how ruthless they can be. When England made an error they were clinical.
"England didn't play badly but they are a phenomenal rugby team and we must be at our best. It is an exciting time."
The two-Test tour beginning on June 14 has been made all the more difficult with the absence of star fly-half duo Jonny Wilkinson and Danny Cipriani through injury.
Bothwick believes the tour provides the perfect opportunity for new squad members such as Topsy Ojo and, in particular, Dan Hipkiss to prove their worth to the national side.
Perfect opportunity
"It's definitely a blow to lose two tremendous players, I wish them all the best with their recoveries," said Borthwick.
"However, their absence provides a perfect opportunity for other players to prove themselves in the summer and for the autumn Tests.
"Dan Hipkiss has proven his ability in both a Tigers shirt and an England shirt and he, just as everyone selected in the squad, has been selected on their high standard and performances throughout the Guinness Premiership season."
New boss Johnson will not be travelling to New Zealand as his wife is expected to give birth at that time, so the 2003 World Cup-winner will be in long-distance contact with England team manager Rob Andrew during the tour.
Borthwick heaped praise on the newly-appointed England manager and insists his arrival will bring the best out of everyone in the squad.
"As a player he (Johnson) was phenomenal and that epitomises him as a person," said Borthwick.
"He will challenge every one of us to the best we can, and I am sure that will bring out the best of us when we get onto the pitch."
