English stars told not to dwell on rout

SCRUM coach Graham Rowntree warned England will “get thumped” by New Zealand if they go into tomorrow’s game fearing a repeat of last weekend’s 42-6 record home defeat to South Africa.

The All Blacks arrive at Twickenham as the best team in the world and one victory away from completing only the third ‘grand slam’ tour in their history.

Rowntree knows New Zealand will prey ruthlessly on any weaknesses — either mental or physical — and he told England they cannot afford to carry with them any hangover from that Springbok nightmare. “If we go into this game on the weekend feeling sorry for ourselves then we will get thumped, we will get thumped,” said Rowntree.