Nehe Milner-Skudder talks about being named on the wing for the All Blacks' RWC quarterfinal against France.

His freakish step; those one-handed offloads and creative talents. It's impossible not to be captivated by Nehe Milner-Skudder's on-field feats.

But what truly sets him apart is his calm demeanour. The Maori lad often throws the odd "bro" reference out at press conferences, just as he would when yarning to team-mates.

Even in his first trip to the UK he's comfortable in his own skin; at home on the big stage.

READ MORE:

* All Blacks name team, NMS on the wing

* Hansen's Rainbow Warrior clanger

* Five All Blacks who need to step up

To not only survive, but thrive, in the All Blacks outside back department necessitates that you are a special player.

Once there the greatest challenge can be dealing with the hype, expectation, pressure and attention that comes with being an All Black. For most it takes some time to adjust.

Milner-Skudder, though, rarely gets flustered. On or off the field his character allows him to take anything in his stride.

He'll happily hang around after interviews for a chat with strangers, before being ushered on to the next point of call where he delivers a performance similar to what you'd expect on the weekend.

A quarterfinal against the French at Millennium Stadium is a long way from Taihape and the Manawatu but you get a sense even in front of 74,000 his grounded nature won't change. The biggest match of his career? You wouldn't know it.

WILLY NICHOLS/Stuff.co.nz Nonu gives his impression of Nehe Milner-Skudder

Nothing seems to faze him. His sharp feet dance to a constant reggae beat.

"There's a lot of people through all walks of life I've been through that like to stay chilled and relaxed and I guess that's rubbed off onto me. I don't like to get too worked up about things. I like to stay relaxed and stay in my land," he explains after being preferred to Waisake Naholo on the right wing.



"I've got good people around me. Ma'a [Nonu] is a bit of a character and he knows how to handle himself pretty well. As well as him there's lots of other guys so I sit back and observe and see how they go about their work. It definitely helps."



Nonu describes the 24-year-old as humble, professional, down-to-earth and spectacular - not a word the world-class second five-eighth throws around lightly.



Milner-Skudder's other main asset is he knows his game well, and plays to his strengths. Sat between Nonu and Julian Savea he's well undersized. Tipping the scales at 90kg dripping wet, replicating Savea or Nemani Nadolo is a distant dream. Instead he's honed a lethal side step which Steve Hansen suggested turns on a sixpence. Speed and evasion add to the overall picture that allows him to dominate in different and just as effective ways.

RUGBY WORLD CUP ZONE:

* RWC 2015 Match Centre

* Tournament history

* Best RWC moments

* RWC team profiles

* All Blacks squad

* RWC Fantasy league

* Printable wallchart

Peter Cziborra/ Reuters Nehe Milner-Skudder was as relaxed as ever at a press conference in Swansea on Friday (NZ time).

"I look like a midget compared to them," he said of Savea and Nonu.

"That's why I can't do Julian's steamrolling of people. I have to use my feet a bit more. You've got to try and find out what works.

"Growing up I enjoyed playing a bit of touch with my older brother and a lot his mates back at high school that helped develop that skill. I used it a bit over in rugby league. I used to love watching Benji Marshall. He had an awesome side step so I had to bring that into my game because I can't run over people."

Wingers have scored 76 of the 231 tries at this World Cup (33 per cent) and Milner-Skudder's six in five tests speaks volumes of his finishing ability.

"He's followed a trend of New Zealand wingers who have arrived on the scene and scored a lot of tries," Hansen said.

"There's other part of his game he's got to grow, just like the rest of them when they first started. He showed a lot of composure, mental fortitude and he's enthusiastic."

Milner-Skudder has even more reason to perform on Sunday, with his mother and step father making the trip to Cardiff. But don't expect anything to alter his laidback stride.

"It's massive having them over here. They've done a lot for me. I can't thank them enough. Knowing they'll be in the crowd supporting will be huge."