New Zealand’s rugby players get to grips with Emmerdale beauty Gemma Atkinson as they sample some English culture
Kiwis coach David Kidwell and several players went up to Harrogate to meet the ITV show’s stars
NEW ZEALAND have already got to grips with one bit of English culture after visiting the set of soap Emmerdale.
And if actress Gemma Atkinson’s reaction is anything to go by, England will have a mighty task on their hands.
Kiwis coach David Kidwell and several players went up to Harrogate to meet the ITV show’s stars.
Atkinson was certainly impressed with what she saw, saying: “Bearing in mind I’m 5ft 9ins, these guys are huge!”
Emmerdale is huge in New Zealand and superfan Sir Peter Leitch, who has travelled around the world to watch Kidwell’s side in action, is massive on it.
And Kidwell admitted the trip was a good part of the build-up to today’s crunch clash, as he keeps the same team from the Test defeat in Australia.
He said: “We understand the challenge that's ahead of us and we need to be at our best.
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"In Perth, a lot of our guys hadn't played for a long period of time. The result wasn't what we wanted but all the players were better off for the run and we will look to build from that.
"It's no secret this game is going to be won up front.
"Both teams have strong forward packs and we need our middle men to lead the way.”