Corry: Kiwis set the standard we aspire to
Corry will lead his country for the 11th time on Sunday when World Cup favourites New Zealand arrive at Twickenham for an autumn Test opener few people among a record 82,000 Twickenham crowd seriously expect England to win.
While the All Blacks discovered a successful formula long ago, England have lost their way during a miserable three years since Martin Johnson held aloft the Webb Ellis Trophy.
Circumstances dictate that Leicester back-row forward Corry faces his toughest challenge as England skipper, but it is not one he intends running away from.
“We are underdogs, because we are playing undoubtedly the best team in the world,” he said.
“The challenge is huge, and the key for us is to implement all the things we’ve been working on.
“There have been a lot of changes because of injuries, but we’ve actually made it as seamless as possible. Because of the time we spent together at Loughborough University this season, even the boys making their debuts know everybody and know how we operate.
“New Zealand are now where we want to be. As we proved in the past, playing the best is the only way to get there.”
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has admitted the incessant talk of how weak world champions England are surprises him, adding that it could prove the ultimate motivation for the home side ahead of Sunday’s Twickenham Test.
“Beware the underdog, especially at home,” McCaw said after the All Blacks’ training session on Thursday. “Without doubt, England are going to be dangerous.
“I cannot think of any greater motivation than for everyone to say that you’re no good.
“Our guys know that and we are preparing for it.”
New Zealand, meanwhile, will give fly-half Nick Evans until tomorrow to prove his fitness for Sunday’s showdown.
Evans injured his hamstring in training yesterday and is rated only 50-50 to be fit to face the world champions at Twickenham.
If Evans does fail his fitness test Dan Carter will be promoted from the substitutes with Leon MacDonald filling the vacancy on the bench.
Elsewhere, Australia have named an experimental team to face Wales at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium tomorrow including new captain Phil Waugh.
The New South Wales Waratahs flanker was named to lead the Wallabies as they seek revenge for their defeat to Wales 12 months ago in the last meeting between the countries.
However, there was no room for Waugh’s close rival George Smith in the match-day squad for the opening Test of their European Tour.
Smith captained Australia’s A side in a 24-16 defeat to Welsh regional outfit Ospreys on Wednesday night.
Wallaby coach John Connolly said: “Phil has been a tremendous player for Australia rugby. He’s one of those players who wears their heart on their sleeve and he thoroughly deserves his chance to captain his country.”
Makeshift scrum-half Matt Giteau and Matt Rogers form a new half-back partnership inside Stephen Larkham, who has been switched to a midfield role at inside centre alongside Lote Tuqiri, who returns from a five-game suspension.
“We have full confidence in the players we have selected, though this tour is about looking at different options.
“We don’t want to sell anyone short but we understand that there is a very important year coming up ahead of the World Cup and we want to have a better idea about this squad.
“We need to see if Matt (Giteau) can play scrum-half, can Stephen (Larkham) play at 12 and a number of issues among the forwards.”
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