Exclusive – Cruden: New Zealand won’t underestimate depleted England
New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden claims the All Blacks won’t underestimate England - despite Stuart Lancaster having to pick from a depleted squad.
The tourists will line up with Freddie Burns and Kyle Eastmond at fly-half and inside centre, in reality a fourth-choice pairing, while the hooker position is filled by Rob Webber, who is set to win his sixth cap.
And Cruden, who will play at outside-half for Steve Hansen’s side in the first Test, insists the hosts will not take England lightly.
“We know whoever wears the England jersey on Saturday will be doing a great job,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “We don’t see the first Test as being the easiest match. The media have been playing it up.
“We like to keep our feet on the ground and are preparing the best we can. The English have improved immensely over the last 18 months and we are fully aware of the threats they pose across the park.
“We don’t get to see too much of the Aviva Premiership in New Zealand though. There are few guys, like Freddie Burns and Kyle Eastmond, who are a bit of an unknown quantity.”
And Cruden added the Test series this summer will be critical heading into next year’s Rugby World Cup.
“I’ve been lucky enough to only lose one game in my New Zealand career, and that was to England,” he continued. “I see these next three Tests as a pretty defining moment for us as an All Black side.
“We’re all really excited about the challenge.”
Aaron Cruden was speaking on behalf of AIG, the official insurance partner of New Zealand Rugby. Join the conversation @AIGRugby