Lomu backs All Blacks

Jonah Lomu believes there is little chance of the All Blacks coming unstuck in their quest for a first successful Grand Slam tour since 1978. [more]

Lions Australia Tour 2013

Jonah Lomu believes there is little chance of the All Blacks coming unstuck in their quest for a first successful Grand Slam tour since 1978.

World champions England and struggling Scotland are the only countries now standing between New Zealand and a clean sweep.

Wales and Ireland were despatched to the tune of 41-3 and 45-7, respectively, underlining the Herculean task facing England at Twickenham on Saturday.

And although Andy Robinson’s men are unlikely to capitulate in the same way as their Six Nations rivals, New Zealand superstar Lomu can only realistically see another away win.

"I do not think they will slip up," said Lomu, assessing New Zealand from his new base as a member of the Cardiff Blues squad after joining them on a lucrative seven-month contract.

"This All Blacks side is going to get better, and the coaches are keeping everyone on their toes.

"Who would have thought, for instance, that a player like Joe Rokocoko would have been sent to play sevens earlier this year?"

Robinson, meanwhile, has again ruled out an immediate Test match return for England World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson.

Fly-half Charlie Hodgson is battling to be fit for the All Blacks clash after suffering a groin injury during the 26-16 victory over Australia.

Robinson is optimistic an in-form Hodgson will recover and be available for selection when the team is announced on Wednesday.

Wilkinson could conceivably have been among the contenders to take over if Robinson has to find a replacement, despite starting only a handful of matches for Newcastle this season and being out of Test rugby since the 2003 World Cup final.

Robinson replied with a firm "no" when asked if Wilkinson would be considered, underlining his view the Falcons superstar needs more game time.

And that seemingly opens the door for Bath’s Olly Barkley to wear the number 10 shirt, should Sale Sharks playmaker Hodgson be ruled out.

"We will be looking to potentially keep the same side together, but we have just got to look at the injury situation and the combinations," said Robinson.

"We have reviewed what we did at the weekend, and this is a different challenge we are facing. It is important that we get a team out that can match the challenge of the All Blacks and try and dominate them.

"We will have to step up a few more gears than one, and we certainly will have to lift everything we do in all areas.

"The New Zealand scrum is particularly strong at present, and their forward and lineout play is exceptional.

"Throughout the whole game, there are going to be a lot of questions asked of us, and we will be under constant pressure, but it is how we deal with it."

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