England rule out Wilkinson recall

New Zealand prop Carl Hayman says Saturday's game with England is about more than just his clash with Andrew Sheridan, but he is happy to face him.

The less experienced Sheridan probably holds the advantage in terms of brawn but Hayman said that was only a small part of the game.

"There's a lot of technical stuff that goes with it as well but to be strong obviously helps," he said.

"We'll find out on Saturday but I'm not going there to make up the numbers."

The duo's one previous encounter was when Hayman played for the New Zealand Maori against the Lions in the summer, but Hayman said he did not expect that to be much help.

New Zealand have a tremendous pack as well as outstanding backs England coach Andy Robinson

"It was pretty interesting, but it'll be a completely different ball game on Saturday. It's a Test match with much more at stake."

Whoever comes out on top in their personal duel could have a major say in the outcome of the match, but Hayman was keen to avoid placing too much emphasis on their battle.

"There are other guys in the contest as well who will play an equally important role in that scrummage," he said.

"It's always been a part of the game that's crucial to winning."

Sheridan display delights Vickery

England's front row were dominant in Saturday's 26-16 win over Australia, with several scrums towards the end of the game being uncontested because of Australian injuries.

But England coach Andy Robinson says Saturday's clash with the All Blacks will be an entirely different matter.

"It will be a completely different emphasis as the New Zealanders have a tremendous forward pack as well as outstanding backs," he said.

"Every area of the game is going to be challenged and the scrum and line-out will be fully contested."