Fourie relishes meeting McCaw head-on

It should come as no surprise. Part of the reason Martin Johnson has picked him to play New Zealand is because of the player's immense courage, ability and utter conviction in everything he does.

The All Blacks revered Richie McCaw may be the ultimate master of the breakdown and one of the game's finest ever loose-forwards but he will be just another opponent at Twickenham on Saturday.

"I've got a lot of respect for the guy," Fourie told the Yorkshire Post last night after gaining his long-awaited selection on the bench for the Investec international.

"But I want to be going up against the world's best. I've played against Lewis Moody and all the English lads in the Premiership; now the biggest test will be versus Richie McCaw.

"I'll relish that and, hopefully, if I get on, he'll still be out there and we can have a little go at each other."

Fourie's journey to the summit of the game – where he will be joined by former Bradford Bulls centre Shontayne Hape – has been longer and more arduous than most of his contemporaries.

The rugged South African is now 31 but only started playing as a full-time professional three years ago after joining Leeds from Rotherham Titans, giving up his job as a computer science school teacher to pursue his dreams.

The manner in which he has ruled opponents since has almost been scientific given his impressive domination, becoming one of the most respected forwards in the Premiership and playing a crucial role in the Yorkshire club's successful battle to avoid relegation last season.

Having qualified on residency grounds, Fourie represented England Saxons against Italy A earlier this year and was then called up for the senior tour to Australia but was sent home early after suffering a calf injury in the 28-28 draw against the Australian Barbarians.

"I did think maybe I woudln't get another chance after that but then the management named me in the EPS and I realised I did have a realistic shot of playing Test rugby for England," he recalled.

"I'm overjoyed to be in this squad now and facing the All Blacks. It's unexplainable the feeling I felt when I heard today.

"I've always worked towards this moment and now, hopefully, I'm going to get it."

Fourie's appearance will be historic for Leeds as well given Headingley team-mate Steve Thompson is also in the England line-up. If they are on the field together at the weekend it will be only the second time a pair of Leeds players have represented the Red Rose in tandem following on from Mark Regan and Iain Balshaw in the 2004 Six Nations.

"I went on the club website this afternoon and saw that," added Fourie, who becomes only the sixth player from the club to be capped by England, Tom Palmer – who also plays – Regan, Dan Scarbrough, Balshaw and Thompson the others.

"That's awesome to know and something I'm really proud of. It's a tough spell for us at Leeds in the Premiership at present but there's still a long way to go this season. We're still gelling as a team but we will get there soon enough."

There was an outside chance Fourie could start against the formidable McCaw with No 7 and England captain Moody missing the last four weeks due to an eye injury.

However, the Bath flanker, who led his country to a memorable win in Sydney last time out, made a successful return versus Harlequins on Sunday, even if he did typically emerge bloodied with a head wound.

"With Lewis, you know he is always going to play with everything," said Fourie. "I knew if he came through that game he'd start and he is the leader of our team. If I have to be behind him I've no problems. I'll wait for my chance."

England encounter a New Zealand team still reeling from Saturday's stunning last-second 26-24 defeat against Australia in Hong Kong.

That saw their 15-match winning run brought to a shuddering halt but Fourie does not expect them to be any less dangerous.

"It was an amazing game," he admitted.

"It was really, really close and we know it will be tough. It always is playing New Zealand – they are still the number one side in the world and it doesn't really matter if they lost or not at the weekend.

"But we're looking forward to it and looking to build on what was done in Sydney."