/ 6 October 1999

LOMU TIPS ENGLAND AS WINNER

ALL Black star Jonah Lomu has tipped England as favourites win the World Cup. The two sides meet this weekend at Twickenham and Lomu is hoping to repeat his 1995 destruction of England when he scored four tries. But the giant winger admits that New Zealand must play better than they did againt Samoa in their World Cup opener. “There is a lot of improvement to be done if we want to have a shout against England at Twickers next Saturday,” said Lomu. “England are the favourites, but at the end of the day it will come down to who wants victory most. “England are a very well-drilled side, and there is no way we can afford a start like we did against Samoa. We will have to be at our best; there is no doubt about that.” All Black coach John Hart is also impressed by England. “We will have to improve a lot by next weekend. I was really impressed with England’s performance against Italy – their composure and ball control was outstanding – and we need to improve considerably,” said Hart.