Fuifui Moimoi, the New Zealand prop known around the world as the ‘human wrecking ball’ due to his colossal 17-stone frame, powerful running style and ability to flatten opponents, has described England’s Sam Burgess as ‘big and scary’.

The two famously clashed back in 2007 at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium when an 18-year-old Burgess, making his international debut, put in a challenge on Moimoi that left the New Zealander concussed and, supposedly, unable to eat solids for a week.

The 30-year-old Paramatta forward said: “It was a good game and he’s a good player is Burgess, a big boy too. I’m looking forward to playing against him in this tournament and glad I’ve got some good youngsters in our squad to back me up.”

“He’s a big and scary guy,” added Moimoi tongue-in-cheek. “He’s very strong and a talented kid. I’m looking forward to seeing him play.”

Although the two will face each other next season in the NRL now that Burgess has signed for South Sydney Rabbitohs, the two will first reacquaint themselves at the Galpharm Stadium on Saturday, November 7 when England take on the world champions in their third and final Gillette Four Nations group game.

Before New Zealand play England though they face two difficult games – this Saturday they play Australia at the Twickenham Stoop in a rerun of last year’s World Cup final and then a week later meet France in Toulouse.

Moimoi is taking each game as it comes and is just pleased to be back in the New Zealand squad.

“It’s an honour to be part of the team and I’m looking forward to working with some of the new young talented players in the squad.”