Kyle’s up for All Blacks

IN the thick of it: Bath's Kyle Eastmond (in white)

THE Aviva Premiership’s form player, Oldham-born Bath star Kyle Eastmond, is relishing the prospect of facing the mighty All Blacks again at a packed-out Twickenham tomorrow.

Former Radclyffe School pupil Eastmond will join Saracens’ Brad Barritt in the centre pairing when England get their four-game QBE Series under way against New Zealand.

St Mary’s lad Eastmond (25) is in for another tough afternoon against the current world champions.

He played in the first and third Tests in the 3-0 series defeat in New Zealand earlier this year.

But after winning his recall to the side, and with less than a year to the home World Cup, the rugby league convert said: “I know it’s going to be a huge game, but at this stage this is exactly what I want – to be able to test myself against the very best.

“We’ll afford the All Blacks the respect they deserve, but once the match starts there will be no holding back.

“I guess I might be wanting to pinch myself a bit as I walk out on the pitch. It’s going to be a huge occasion in a huge stadium. It’s also a marvellous opportunity for me. I’ll be fully focused on the job but I’m also determined to enjoy the game.”

The Oldhamer added: “The season has started well for me. There are lots of brilliant individual players at Bath though, and that certainly helps.

“I’ve been getting plenty of game time aside from a couple of minor injuries, and we’re going well in the Premiership (Bath are fourth). We’ve just got to carry on that early promise now, and for me personally, I want to keep improving. The World Cup is in the back of my mind, but that’s all it is yet.”