Adam Blair: Kiwis aren't feeling the pressure

Kiwis co-captain Adam Blair. Photo / Getty

Kiwis co- captain Adam Blair says his team are not feeling the pressure, ahead of the make or break second test with England tomorrow.

Blair, who has been cleared to play despite a concussion last week, doesn't think his teammates are feeling the weight of history.

If the Kiwis lose tomorrow, they would become just the third New Zealand team since 1971 to drop the first two tests of a three match series in England.

It would be an unwanted footnote for this squad, but Blair hasn't detected any anxiety.

"It doesn't feel like it," said Blair, when asked about pressure. "We have enjoyed our week here [and] it doesn't feel like there is any pressure on us. We are just going to go out there and play some footy."

But don't take Blair words to be laconic; there is also a definite appetite for the battle.

"If you don't want it, you're in trouble," said Blair. "This is do or die for us, we have to go out there and do our best together and try to get this."

Certainly, if the reaction of the Kiwis players to the Olympic stadium is any indication, then the portents are good for tomorrow's game.

There was no obvious nerves or tension during their captain's run today - instead a palpable excitement about being at such a famous venue.

As the Kiwis walked out of the tunnel for the first time you could hear the shouts and hollers, as they took in the surroundings.

"It's wonderful, it's going to be a great atmosphere," said Blair. "All the boys were pumped just walking out here, there eyes were up just looking around...to play in such an iconic stadium is going to be great."

Meanwhile coach Stephen Kearney is confident a "couple of subtle adjustments" would fix their problems areas from last week; the defence in the middle of the field, and composure and structure on attack.

"I didn't think it was too far wrong [last week]," said Kearney. "Not so much about fixing [things], it's about having the attitude to sustain that for 80 minutes. I thought the English side did that really well [last week].

"The game will be decided right in the middle of the field, in terms of the forward packs," added Kearney. "It will be a challenge for our group to sustain an 80 minute effort and that is what we are building towards."

- By Michael Burgess in London

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