Blacks expect physical battle

THE All Blacks repeated a well-spun line in the build-up to their World Cup pool D game against Canada today.

“We expect a physical contest,” said New Zealand coach John Mitchell. “We expect improvement from their last performance. Their forwards will work hard and they have a good kicking game. We expect them to put pressure on us. This is their World Cup final.”

While Canada coach David Clark says he has not deliberately chosen an A or B side, only one of the players who faced Wales will line up against New Zealand because he regards the next game against Italy as more important.