The "fearless" English rugby team are relishing the
opportunity to play against the All Blacks this weekend and
assistant coach Andy Farrell believes the world champions are
vulnerable.
England head into their final autumn test on the back of
narrow defeats to Australia and South Africa but Farrell
thinks his young side can upset the odds and beat New
Zealand.
"They are beatable," Farrell told the BBC, even though it
hasn't happened in 20 matches and the All Blacks haven't been
toppled in an end-of-year tour match in a decade.
"This [England] group is fearless. It could certainly be a
great milestone."
Farrell said he saw enough in the 16-15 defeat by South
Africa last weekend to believe they are on the right track.
Despite New Zealand's daunting record, Farrell said the
England players are in good spirits and relishing the
opportunity to test themselves against the best.
"The discussions this week have been ones that were upbeat
and the players are super-excited about playing against the
best in the world. I would think our boys will see this as a
massive privilege to be involved in at such a time in their
development, to play against a side that is really, really
experienced and has been through a lot and made themselves
one of the best sporting teams at the moment.
"Let's be honest, New Zealand are a fantastic side at the
minute. There aren't many weaknesses throughout. They seem to
be completely in sync and they have grown together as a team.
They are playing some outstanding rugby at the moment.
"They do a lot of things right but they are also vulnerable
in places, there is no doubt about that. You cannot be
exceptional in every single department for the whole 80
minutes.
"It is up to us to make them have an off day and hopefully be
on song ourselves."
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