Redman's six seeds could pip one
Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:24
England Under-20 coach Nigel Redman is expecting "one hell of a Test match" when his side face New Zealand in the final of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Junior World Championship on Sunday.
The teams met in the group stages at Under-19 level last year, when the Junior All Blacks won 34-13 on their way to taking the world title and England finished in sixth place.
But any gap between them has vanished this season as England have swept all before them, completing a Six Nations Grand Slam before reeling off four wins in Wales this month against Fiji, Canada, Australia and South Africa.
Going into the tournament as number six seeds handed them the toughest route to the final, but Australia (3rd) and South Africa (2nd) were seen off 18-13 and 26-18 in the space of four days last week.
Now Redman is backing his side to find a way past New Zealand's Super 14 stars at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea.
"New Zealand are an unbelievable side from one through 22 and whether it's a forward problem or a problem with the way they play out wide, we have to come up with solutions," said Redman.
"The likes of [Crusaders wings] Kade Poki and Sean Maitland are outstanding players with a great pedigree, but we've got some great players too out wide and that makes it a very special match-up.
"They've got pace out wide, we've got pace out wide; they've got strong forwards, we've got strong forwards. It's going to be one hell of a Test match on Sunday," he added.
England's wins against Australia and South Africa were earned through a mixture of defensive excellence and forward power.
But the team can threaten from anywhere on the pitch and 41 tries have been scored in nine games - nine of them supplied by prolific Saracens wing Noah Cato - by a team that can play in a variety of styles to suit the conditions.
"I'd be disappointed if people looked at us and said we were a forward-oriented side, because I really don't think we are," said Redman.
"We've got talent out wide, which we use, and the forwards are athletic, good ball-carriers and decision-makers. It's something we work hard on.
"We've played Fiji, who were a physical side, Canada, who were physical too, and Australia, who were a terrific team. So far we've beaten the number three seeds, beaten the number two seeds and now we face the number one seeds and it's the first time an England team has got to an age-group final.
"New Zealand are always the ultimate test at any level and they have brought a terrific team. Against them we've got to do what we do much better," Redman concluded.
There are only two changes in personnel to the starting line-up against New Zealand.
Alex Tait misses out with an ankle injury sustained against South Africa, so Cato moves to fullback with Mark Odejobi (London Wasps) drafted in on the wing.
The other selection decision was in the back row, where Jon Fisher (London Irish) takes over from Matthew Cox (Worcester Warriors).
RFU
