Thursday 6 November 2014 11:01, UK
England No 8 Billy Vunipola says watching New Zealand perform the Haka prior to Saturday’s big international at Twickenham will be a great experience.
World champions New Zealand will be looking for a fifth successive victory over England when the QBE Series gets underway this weekend.
And Saracens star Vunipola man says the Maori war dance which the All Blacks perform before their matches can be used as a source of inspiration by their opponents.
"It lifts the All Blacks, but I think it also lifts the opposition as much as them," said Vunipola, who has won three of his 10 caps against New Zealand.
"They're laying down the challenge and are asking you: 'are you ready to rock 'n' roll'?
"It's always special and it's a massive honour to go up against it. When it's being performed, you're standing there thinking 'right let's go, they've laid it on, so let's match them or better'.
"If you're not ready for what is coming, they will smash you in the first 10 minutes and then you'll be on the back foot consistently. If you are ready, then you are in for a great game.
"You look around and can see how much it means to them in their facial expressions and by how hard they hit themselves.
"It's special to stand in front of it, especially with the crowd around you creating a massive atmosphere."
The battle between the back rows will have a big impact on Saturday’s showdown and Vunipola is looking forward to squaring off once again against veteran All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw.
"McCaw floats around waiting for that opportunity to make a game changing impact, reading things really well," said Vunipola.
"He works with the referee by not complaining after decisions are made - refs like that. He doesn't turn around and squabble with the ref, he just gets on with the game. He sets a really good example for his team.
If you're not ready for what is coming, they will smash you in the first 10 minutes and then you'll be on the back foot consistently. If you are ready, then you are in for a great game.
"You have to look after your basics and, if you don't give McCaw any space over the ball at the breakdown or show a hint of weakness, then he can't exploit that situation.
"As a back-row unit we have to slow their ball down, legally. Teams struggle against New Zealand when they get too much front foot ball.
"A couple of weeks ago Australia slowed their ball down and made the breakdown a massive fight."
England head coach Stuart Lancaster will name his team on Thursday morning and Vunipola is likely to start at the back of the scrum, while Bath wing Semesa Rokoduguni is set to make his debut.
Watch England v New Zealand live on Sky Sports 2 on Saturday from 1.30pm
