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27th February 2015
12:33pm GMT

'It is one of those things where it probably would be seen as one of the more mundane aspects of the game for Tommy, or myself, or the centres. But it’s something we get excited for, and we have to, because it’s helping out the team. 'When we see the lift the team gets from Tommy slapping a couple of balls back on our side, getting momentum, pushing on and getting scores, that’s what we’re doing it for, and that’s the collective.'Does a good kick-chase deliver the same thrill as stepping an opponent? 'Errm, no,' Zebo admits, 'if I'm being honest it wouldn't. 'But I've definitely satisfaction in seeing the team do well. The whole reason I started playing rugby was the excitement I get out of those things, putting someone in space, scoring tries, things like that. 'At the end of the game, if we win and I know that a couple of slap-backs or regaining a high ball has got us along to winning the game, then that will make me twice as happy as scoring any tries.'
Despite proving his fitness, with Munster, midway through last year's championship, Zebo found it difficult break into Ireland's extended training squads. That led to speculation he was 'not a Joe Schmidt player' but he has since proved such thoughts wrong. Sunday's game will be his eighth in a row in the green jersey.
'I have not necessarily [changed my game] because the only different things [I have focused on] is in respect to chasing and making more decisions in defence or the breakdown.
'They are things you don’t see so often, but when you do you just have to be more effective.'
As for England's main threats, Zebo belives Bath's exciting trio of Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph and George Ford are the men to watch.
'Watson has been getting a good bit of ball and he’s really exciting when he’s gotten it,' he says. 'JJ and Ford possess fantastic skill-sets. All these guys have unbelievable attributes and they've been getting good front-foot ball, so we need to try to slow that down.'Explore more on these topics:

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