🔗 Share this article

England's skipper has warned that Steve Borthwick's side should steer clear of being intimidated by New Zealand's formidable reputation if they hope to achieve their first home victory over the Kiwis in 13 years this Saturday.

Team Updates Before Crucial Fixture

Steve Borthwick got a welcome lift with the versatile back returning to fitness and in contention for selection since suffering an injury on Lions tour, while the full-back and Tom Roebuck featured in the 37-man group announced on Sunday night.

Current Form Contrasts with Previous Woes

The home side host New Zealand after extending their winning streak to nine matches with a decisive 38-18 win over Fiji, again pulling away in the closing stages. Their current form marks a dramatic shift from 12 months back, when the team suffered multiple losses in seven matches, each by fine margins. A trio of these losses were inflicted by the Kiwis—two on the 2024 summer tour and a tight reverse at home after the fly-half missed two late kicks.

New Zealand just defeated Scotland on the weekend to maintain hopes of a home nations grand slam intact, and while South Africa cemented their number one ranking, George described the All Blacks as “perhaps the best side in the world.”

Of the last 11 encounters, England's only victory over the All Blacks was during the global tournament semi, and the visitors have not been beaten in the recent clashes at England's home ground.

The Captain's Perspective on Facing the Kiwis

“Many sides tend to is stand in awe of the All Blacks with their history and all their incredible players,” said the experienced hooker. “It’s easy to do that. I’ve probably done it before. We must remember we’ll be playing at this venue. It’s an honour to be competing at home. We are going to do all we can to win that game.

“It’s vital to be at your peak. The All Blacks are without doubt the best side in the world at the minute. They are a unbelievably fantastic team and they seem to step up a level when they visit this stadium. Our focus for us to do is identify where we might have improved in the opening period last time. But also, develop a clear strategy which can put them under as much stress as we are able to. By doing so, we’ll give ourselves a opportunity.

“We faced a bit of heat 12 months ago for not emerging on the winning end of tight games and not finding a way to win. Now, we’re doing the complete reverse. By no means have we cracked it. But we’ve put a strong focus on the final phases of games and closing games out. Scoring however many tries in the final segment of the match is a sign of a quality team.”

The Coach's Outlook and Squad Changes

Borthwick is likely to make a number of changes to his side, with skipper the lock, Tom Curry, and Ford all set to be reinstated to the first XV. The wing and the newcomer both suffered issues against the Islanders but both have been selected in the group preparing to face the All Blacks.

“We want to test our mettle against the top sides and [New Zealand] are one of those best teams,” commented the head coach. “Our team is youthful, we’re developing, I think we’re improving quickly and we’re keen to learn. So I’m sure next week’s will be a great test for us.”

Earl's Take on Progress

Ben Earl, in addition, thinks that the team's present capacity to break away in the dying minutes of games owes much to their three narrow defeats by the All Blacks last year. “You feel seasoned, you feel like you’ve got the wounds, you’ve developed the scar tissue to learn from those losses, and they stung at the time,” remarked the back-rower, who was awarded player of the game against Fiji. “But I wonder among the squad in the dressing room, if we’d alter our path now, with the success that we’re now experiencing? I’d be curious to know because I think they’re very, very valuable lessons.”