England v New Zealand
Farrell: Eastmond like Tyson
ESPN Staff
November 7, 2014
England's Kyle Eastmond and Brad Barritt chat in training, Pennyhill Park, Surrey, November 6, 2014
England's new centre pairing Kyle Eastmond and Brad Barritt chat in training © Getty Images
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England's attack coach Andy Farrell has backed diminutive inside centre Kyle Eastmond to punch above his weight in his Saturday showdown with New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams at Twickenham, even comparing the Bath man to former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world Mike Tyson.

"Size is irrelevant. Mike Tyson wasn't that big either but he could knock a few people out," said Farrell. Tyson achieved 44 knockouts in his 50 bouts.

Williams, who will make just his second international appearance back in rugby union after a two year stint with the Sydney Roosters back in the NRL with Sydney Roosters, is eight inches taller and 27 kgs heavier than 5ft 7in and 80kg Eastmond but Farrell believes the England man has the ability to stop the code-hopper:

"Kyle's a completely different type of player. That's what makes a rugby team - you need a different blend of all sorts to be able to get around the pitch and do what you want to do. Kyle's a smart footballer and behind that intelligence he's pretty tough as well. He's a feisty 5ft 7in and he's super-excited about this game coming up."

Eastmond had a mixed tour of New Zealand in June, he performed impressively in the first test at Eden Park before suffering the indignity of being substituted at half-time after a poor performance in the third test in Hamilton. Since, he's enjoyed a spectacular return to form to retain his place in the side when many had written him off.

"He's been fantastic over the last couple of weeks and throughout this season," Farrell continued. "He's become very comfortable in the environment. He's been leading things as far as our attacking shape is concerned and he's been driving things in defence. We couldn't be any more happy with his preparation and that's why we're super confident he'll perform along with the rest of the boys."

As well as being a star of both rugby codes, Williams is undefeated in six professional boxing bouts.

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