Thats right, tonight (NZ time). First game of the English build-up for the world cup, and the NZ maori have a few players that are rated as possibilities for the full All Black squad.
England Team To Play The NZ Maori
06/06/2003 04:46 PM
England Head Coach, Clive Woodward announced on Friday the England side to face the New Zealand Maori in New Plymouth on Monday, June 9th 2003.
Clive Woodward said "I've announced a strong 22 to face the New Zealand Maori and we're under no illusions about what we'll face in New Plymouth. The New Zealand Maori are a strong side with some excellent wins in the last couple of seasons, including Argentina and Scotland. It's a good opportunity for all the England players taking part to push their international credentials against a very tough side and we're all treating the game as a full on test match. I'd like to congratulate Stuart Abbott (London Wasps) on his call up, it's on merit and reflects the excellent season he's had for his club this season."
Phil Vickery, Captain of the England side on Monday night said "I'm delighted to be given a further opportunity to captain England. New Zealand Maori are an excellent side, full of internationals and Super 12 experience. We've got a strong team as well, with a large number of capped players, which should ensure that Monday is a fantastic game. My opposite number Craig Feek is an outstanding loose head who played his part in the Crusaders squad reaching the Super 12 final and I'm looking forward to playing against him on Monday."
Stuart Abbott said "The last two weeks have been quite easily the most eventful of my career to date. The win against Gloucester in the Zurich Premiership final last weekend, the tour call up and now the chance to play the New Zealand Maori on Monday have provided me some great opportunities. I'm looking forward to the game which will be a huge challenege for me and the squad but it's one we're all looking forward to."
Should be a great game, as the maori are reknowned for their expansive play. Plus there are players like Christian Cullen appearing for the maoris.
England Team To Play The NZ Maori
06/06/2003 04:46 PM
England Head Coach, Clive Woodward announced on Friday the England side to face the New Zealand Maori in New Plymouth on Monday, June 9th 2003.
Clive Woodward said "I've announced a strong 22 to face the New Zealand Maori and we're under no illusions about what we'll face in New Plymouth. The New Zealand Maori are a strong side with some excellent wins in the last couple of seasons, including Argentina and Scotland. It's a good opportunity for all the England players taking part to push their international credentials against a very tough side and we're all treating the game as a full on test match. I'd like to congratulate Stuart Abbott (London Wasps) on his call up, it's on merit and reflects the excellent season he's had for his club this season."
Phil Vickery, Captain of the England side on Monday night said "I'm delighted to be given a further opportunity to captain England. New Zealand Maori are an excellent side, full of internationals and Super 12 experience. We've got a strong team as well, with a large number of capped players, which should ensure that Monday is a fantastic game. My opposite number Craig Feek is an outstanding loose head who played his part in the Crusaders squad reaching the Super 12 final and I'm looking forward to playing against him on Monday."
Stuart Abbott said "The last two weeks have been quite easily the most eventful of my career to date. The win against Gloucester in the Zurich Premiership final last weekend, the tour call up and now the chance to play the New Zealand Maori on Monday have provided me some great opportunities. I'm looking forward to the game which will be a huge challenege for me and the squad but it's one we're all looking forward to."
Should be a great game, as the maori are reknowned for their expansive play. Plus there are players like Christian Cullen appearing for the maoris.