England v New Zealand Preview

After their dismantling of the US Eagles last Saturday, The All Blacks have made their way to Britain where they hope to make it three wins out of three starting with England on Saturday. These two sides played each other three times in the Summer, with the All Blacks coming out on top in all three tests but apart from the 3rd test England put it up to the World Champions and can count themselves unlucky to have lost all three tests.

New Zealand travel to Twickenham on Saturday with a fine record where they have won 6 of their last 7, but few England fans will forget their win against the All Blacks in 2012. Just like South Africa last month, England defeated the All Blacks, at the time ending their long unbeaten run, which was 20 matches. It was an inspired performance from England and in particular Manu Tuilagi who caused the New Zealand defence problems all day long with the Leicester Tigers man setting up tries for Ashton and Barritt before going over for a try of his own.

New Zealand did however gain revenge for that defeat, with a 30-22 win last November where they finished the calender year without losing a single match. Their winning record finally becoming undone after the defeat to South Africa in what was a 22 match unbeaten run. That  means they have only lost 2 of their last 38 games, which makes England’s task even more difficult.

In team news Stuart Lancaster is unable to call upon Manu Tuilagi, who will miss the entire Autumn series with Bath Centre Kyle Eastmond coming into take his place with Brad Barritt starting at 13. Another Bath player selected in the side is Semesa Rokodugini, who makes his first appearance in an England shirt after an impressive start to the season with the winger bagging six tries already this season. at 10 Andy Farrell is selected after recently returning from injury and will continue his partnership with Danny Care. In the forwards Dan Cole has returned to training after a long injury lay off but is still not fit to play and in the second row Dave Attwood comes into to partner Courtney Lawes with Parling and Launchbury missing through injury.

As for the All Blacks they make 12 changes from the side that Hammered the US Eagles last Saturday with Israel Dagg, Kieran Read and Sonny-Bill Williams the only players remaining from the side. In the backs, Savea returns to the left wing with the Hurricanes  man coming into the game with an astonishing  record having scored 29 times in 30 tests and 8 times in his last 4 games against England. At 10 Aaron Cruden is selected with Barrett on the bench. with Carter not even included in the match day squad having only just returned from injury, and coach Steve Hansen has decided not to risk him. In the Forwards Captain Richie McCaw also returns to the side as he looks to get closer and closer to Brian O’Driscoll appearances record.

The stage is set for what should be an interesting game of Rugby where the All Blacks will look to start off their Autumn series with a win at Twickenham. While England will look to cause another shock and produce a brilliant performance that is needed to beat this powerful New Zealand side.