All Blacks in whites at Lord's

Date released: 18 November 2009

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All Blacks in whites: Smith, Woodcock and Hore visited Lord's Ahead of their clash with England at Twickenham, four of rugby's All Blacks were at Lord's - having a net in the Indoor School.

Keen cricketers: Andrew Hore (hooker); Conrad Smith (centre); Tony Woodwock (prop) and Jason Eaton (lock) had their pads on in the MCC Indoor School.

The towering All Blacks were enjoying a rare day off on their end of year tour which has already seen them beat Wales and Italy.

Saturday's clash with England precedes a trip to France before the tour finishes up with a match against the Barbarians.

Smaller ball - big hearts

Despite advice from the MCC coaching staff the All Blacks weren't short of bravery in their net session.

Not wearing helmets they cranked up the bowling machine to 90mph+ facing down some rapid deliveries and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Andrew Hore's All Blacks profile photo In between their turns at the crease, Andrew Hore and Conrad Smith talked exclusively to Lords.org:

"We're pretty keen cricketers." Hore said. "We've been playing in our team room for the last few weeks.

"We've got a chance to get out and come to the Home of Cricket which is pretty special.

"As you can see, we're keen but not that flashy!"

With Jason Eaton facing the thunderous bowling machine, Conrad Smith said: "There's a few good cricketers [in the squad] who played cricket growing up."

Conrad Smith's photo from allblacks.com With Eaton facing a barrage of banter for every missed stroke (and at 90mph there were a few) Hore added:

"We told the coach we were coming to the Home of Cricket for a net - but we probably didn't tell him how fast we'd roll the machine up to.

"Hopefully we'll get back and our bodies will still be intact!"

"That's Jason Eaton, batting like Glenn McGrath. He's certainly a 'bowler'." Smith added, laughing.

"He's [Eaton] a special man though." said a smirking Hore "He'll put his life on the line - but it won't help him much!

"It's up to 90 miles an hour now, so it's probably not all his fault that he's missing it."

Moving back to a sport they were more familiar with, Hore and Smith spoke about their current tour:

"The highlight's probably been the Wales game." Hore said "Seventy-thousand odd people, so close and going on it was pretty good. We're looking forward to Twickenham as well."

Despite England's questionable recent form, Smith's taking nothing for granted when they head from the Home of Cricket to the home of rugby:

"It's a big occasion. It'll be tough. It'd make their season if they can knock us over..."

At this point Hore interjected to report:

"Not sure if you saw that, but Eaton just got his off pole ripped right out of the ground... he's walking off - he's had enough!" to much laughter all round.

The All Blacks looked relaxed and comfortable at the Home of Cricket. If they're half as brave at the home of rugby, Martin Johnson, Johnny Wilkinson et al will have to watch out.