Today's rugby news Wales players put through brutal tests and England legend picks out rising Welsh star

Here are your rugby headlines for Saturday, November 2.

Care picks out Wales star as one to watch

England legend Danny Care has picked out Wales back Ben Thomas as his one to watch during the Autumn Nations Series, while Scotland great John Barclay picked out another Welsh youngster.

During a preview for the autumn matches on TNT, Brian O'Driscoll chaired a round-table discussion with Jamie Roberts, Barclay and Care, asking a series of questions ahead of the matches kicking off today.

The Ireland and Lions legend posed the question: "The young player to watch out for?"

Former Wales centre Roberts chimed in by naming England's Ollie Sleightholme, before Care jumped in next to say "Ben Thomas". Barclay then made his opinion known, putting forward "Eddie James".

O'Driscoll opted for one of his compatriots, believing 22-year-old centre Jamie Osborne will have a standout tournament.

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Wales players put through brutal tests

Wales's players were put through brutal training tests nine days out from their first autumn clash.

Wales take on Fiji next Sunday but yesterday Warren Gatland and Co put their group through the unforgiving 'bronco' test.

The test involves running out to set distances — 20m, 40m and 60m away — returning back to the start line after reaching each distance before setting off for the next one. After running out to 60m and back, 40m and back and then 20m and back, that classes as one rep. Typically these tests include five reps.

It is incredibly energy-sapping and that was on show in a video released on the WRU's social media channels yesterday. Players were seen doubled over trying to get their breath back at the end of the endurance test.

Huw Bennett, the WRU's head of physical performance, said: "We are in training week leading into the autumn campaign. The boys had a day off Thursday and have come in today [Friday], it's a good chance for us to run the bronco.

"It's a well-known test within rugby. A very simple test, a shuttle run, 20m, 40m, 60m and back, times five, which equates to 1200m. It's a good way of us seeing where the boys are at.

"We look at their aerobic capacity and is a test we've used for some time now so we've got some good markers on the lads."

All Black Beauden Barrett is said to hold the world record, completing it in four minutes and 12 seconds.

All Blacks captain: Marler's Haka comments have 'loaded the gun'

By Duncan Bech, PA England Rugby Correspondent

New Zealand captain Scott Barrett has warned England that Joe Marler has "loaded the gun" through his inflammatory comments on the Haka.

Marler has riled the All Blacks ahead of Saturday's clash at Allianz Stadium by using social media to call for the pre-match Maori war dance to be "binned", adding that it was "ridiculous".

The veteran prop, who is not involved in the autumn opener for personal reasons, has since apologised for the remarks, but Barrett suggests the damage has already been done.

"He has probably loaded the gun hasn't he?" the second row said after New Zealand's final training session on Friday. "I guess there always opinions about the Haka and its place. It's hugely important to us and has been to the All Blacks for a long time. We get a lot from it.

"It's been a huge part of the All Blacks. It's bigger than rugby in a sense. You speak to people from America and lesser known rugby nations and they know rugby in New Zealand for the Haka, so it is huge for us and unites us."

England are considering what their response will be - if any - when the Haka is performed in the first of four Tests at Twickenham this month.

"In those moments, whatever the team brings and you end up facing, you love it," he said. "If they walk forward it means they are up for the first whistle. If that happens, we know we are in for a good Test match.

"We don't need any extra motivation heading to Twickenham against a team that would desperately love to beat us so we have got to respect what is coming."

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George tells England to show 'passion' to beat All Blacks

By Duncan Bech, PA England Rugby Correspondent

Jamie George has urged his England teammates to show their passion for the jersey in their quest to dethrone the game's big hitters.

Steve Borthwick's men host New Zealand on Saturday with the aim of tapping into the feelgood factor generated on their most recent appearance at Allianz Stadium in March when they toppled Ireland.

Outside of that 23-22 victory, England have over the last 12 months been edged by South Africa, the All Blacks twice and France.

With Australia, the Springboks and Japan following New Zealand into Twickenham this autumn, George believes it is time to turn the near-misses into victories.

"We'll continue to build but ultimately the best way to create a connection with the fans is by winning and that is very much our intention over the next four weeks," the England captain said.

"The last time we were at Allianz Stadium was Ireland and that's a game and an atmosphere that I will remember forever.

"For that match we used a lot of emotion around different elements of the game for different reasons to fuel us - and that was something we did really well.

"The emotional side is often something that I'm speaking to the boys about, telling them 'don't be afraid to show it. Don't be afraid to show how much it means to play for England'. For me, that is an instant connection.

"Sometimes there are natural reservations because you're on TV and can't give too much away.

"As a fan, I wanted to see a reflection of myself in that England rugby team, and enjoyment and passion and pride is something I always relate to.

"What I hope is that the fans coming to the game or watching in the pub are aware of how far we've come, how much it means.

"We're out there representing the whole country and that's something we have spoken about this week. As long as I am involved in this team I want people to be very aware of that."