England tour of New Zealand: Owen Farrell insists England must take their chances if they come against the All Blacks even if the Test is in the dying minutes

Farrell admits a try only needs 30 seconds to come and can be scored after the 80 minutes is up ahead of the second Test at the Forsyth Barr Stadium

Duncan Bech
Tuesday 10 June 2014 09:32 BST
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Owen Farrell in training ahead of the second Test between England and New Zealand
Owen Farrell in training ahead of the second Test between England and New Zealand (Getty Images)

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Owen Farrell says England must be ready to pounce in the final seconds at the Forsyth Barr Stadium if they are to deliver a famous victory in New Zealand.

Only a 78th-minute try from Conrad Smith separated the rivals in the series opener at Eden Park as the All Blacks were rewarded for a late surge inspired by Aaron Cruden.

The 20-15 defeat taught Farrell, who will return at fly-half for Saturday's second Test in place of Freddie Burns, that patience is key to toppling the world's best team.

"To beat New Zealand in the last few minutes you need to be patient," Farrell said.

"A try takes only 30 seconds to be scored and that can be done before or after the 80 minutes is up.

"It's about not panicking, doing what you've done in training and making sure you take your chances."

Farrell has warned the world champions that England are backing themselves to take the series to a decider in Hamilton on Saturday week, but knows it will take a monumental effort.

"We have a huge amount of respect for them - they're the best team in the world for a reason," he said.

"What they've done over the last two years has been unbelievable.

"We want to challenge ourselves against them because ultimately that's where we want to be.

"But we have a huge sense of self-belief and back ourselves against anybody.

"It's big to win the next game because we're in a series. If we lose the next one we're out.

"To push it to the end is massive, but it's all about putting our effort into the performance and not worrying about the result too much."

Farrell missed the first Test due to having appeared in the Aviva Premiership final on May 31 and will displace Burns on to the bench when Stuart Lancaster names his 23 on Wednesday night.

It is hoped Farrell will join Danny Care at half-back, although the Harlequins scrum-half remains a doubt because of the shoulder injury that ruled him out of the series opener in Auckland.

"I played in the Six Nations for the first time with Danny and loved it," Farrell said.

"He's obviously a world-class player and someone who can take any opportunity that comes.

"Not only that but he can make something out of nothing. To be able to play off the back of that is huge. Danny's a brilliant player."

PA

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