Flutey drowns out the doubters
No problem: Flutey fine with facing the Haka
Former Junior All Black Riki Flutey says he can hack the culture shock of facing the Haka at Twickenham in November.
The Maori has been named in Martin Johnson's squad for the home Tests against the Pacific Islands, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, but only after Johnson quizzed him about the possibility of facing the famous war dance.
At a private meeting, Flutey's response convinced the new national Team Manager that he had no qualms about the New Zealander's worthiness to don the England shirt.
And despite leading the Haka at every one of his appearances as a Junior All Black, Flutey said he would relish being on the receiving end.
"When I was asked the question, I said, 'Fantastic. Absolutely no problem', I even made a little joke along the lines of 'you never know, I might take up the challenge and do one myself'," the 28-year-old said, speaking to the Daily Mail.
"I suppose there could be guys in New Zealand who would have some difficulty facing the Haka but it is not something I worry about."
However, Flutey revealed he had been preparing for a different kind of test ahead of his introduction to fellow players at last month's England camp.
"Before the camp, I did a fair bit of work learning God Save The Queen," the Wasps centre said.
"I wanted to be word-perfect, just in case they got me to stand up in front of the whole squad to sing it. I was a little nervous but within ten minutes they'd all made me feel at home."
Flutey, earmarked by Johnson as the man for the problematic number twelve jersey, qualifies for England next month under the three-year residential rule and the Wasps man starts the new domestic campaign against London Irish in Saturday's double-header at Twickenham.
"Coming over here was a good career move and joining Wasps was the best career move of all. I had my opportunities in New Zealand but I didn't take them.
"I wasn't as professional as I am now and my whole training ethos has changed. Back in New Zealand, I wasn't sure whether I was playing at nine, ten, twelve or fifteen so I came over here with a clean slate knowing I had to prove I had the goods to start in any of those positions."