England need the touch of a Kiwi
Controversial England loose forward James Haskell has suggested that the tourists are 'too robotic' and could do with a touch of New Zealand influence.
Haskell, who made his first appearance for England since their inglorious exit from the World Cup, when he played in the 54-26 midweek win over the South African Barbarians in Kimberley on Wednesday, spoke ahead of the second Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg on Saturday.
He felt his experience of playing for the Highlanders in Super Rugby since February, before his call-up to the England tour squad, had taught him a lot about the "little nuances" of the game.
The 27-year-old loose forward, who just came of a four-week ban for punching (it was increased from three weeks to four after the judicial officer found out he had misled them about a previous foul play conviction), was yellow carded in Kimberley.
Often courting controversy, such as his involvement in the infamous chambermaid sage during the World Cup last year, Haskell admitted he is likely to remain on the fringes of Test selection.
"I am in no rush to do anything," he told the media.
He felt that once he has played some Premiership games for London Wasps – after the conclusion of the Super Rugby season in July – he would have a better shot at making regular Test starts again.
"The year-end internationals, after coming back to the Premiership, are probably the long-term goal.
"Here [on tour in South Africa], it is just to make sure I come in, live up to Stuart's expectations and fit in. I have 42 caps but I am right at the bottom of the ladder here."
However, he was ready to offer his teammates, in the Test selection, some sound advice.
"We [England] have the talent and passion, but it's those little nuances and mental stuff that we need," he said about his experiences with the Highlanders, adding: "Like learning from other countries what they do well and speaking to other coaches.
"We can maybe not be so robotic.
"I've learned from [All Back flank] Adam Thomson and [All Black hooker] Andrew Hore at the Highlanders that, bar knowing what foot they kick off and their basic pattern, they don't know anything about the opposition.
"They just worry about their game plan. You can become caught up in talking about your opposition too much."
While New Zealand's brand of rugby has clearly stolen Haskell's heart, he also has admiration for the steel of the Boks.
"South African rugby, especially the Bulls and Stormers, is more about physical attrition," the veteran loose forward said.
"You know what's coming, there's a certain predictability, but you have to be on top of your game to stop it.
"If you don't match their intensity then they'll boss the gainline and then play from there."
