UPDATE: England must harness confidence and avoid being intimidated by the All Blacks as they prepare for a crucial clash this Saturday at Allianz Stadium. Head coach Steve Borthwick has his sights set on a historic victory over New Zealand, aiming for their first win against the rugby giants since 2012 and a chance to secure their 10th consecutive victory against all opponents.
In a decisive warm-up match, England triumphed over Fiji with a score of 38-18, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying encounter. Key player Elliot Daly is back in contention after recovering from a fractured forearm sustained during the British and Irish Lions tour. Additionally, Freddie Steward and Tom Roebuck are also poised for their comebacks following respective injuries.
In advance of the match, Jamie George, the Saracens hooker, emphasized the importance of not succumbing to the All Blacks’ formidable reputation. “A lot of teams sit back in awe of the All Blacks,” he stated. “We’ve got to be very aware that we’re back here at Allianz Stadium, and we are going to do everything we can to win.”
As England gears up for this monumental test, George highlighted the necessity of a clear game plan to apply pressure on New Zealand. “You’ve got to be at your best because they’re not just another team. They are arguably the best team in the world at the minute,” he said.
Bookmakers have rated England as marginal favorites to overcome New Zealand, marking a significant shift since their stunning defeat in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup. A win this Saturday would symbolize a remarkable turnaround from earlier this year, where England faced seven consecutive losses to top-tier teams due to final-quarter collapses.
All-action flanker Tom Curry echoed the sentiment of continuous improvement, quoting Manchester United legend Roy Keane: “If you’re still, you’re going backwards.” Curry expressed optimism as England builds momentum, stating, “We’re starting to learn to win. It’s tiny margins, like Test match rugby is tiny margins.”
With confidence running high after previous victories against Australia and Fiji this autumn, the England squad recognizes the stakes. Curry added, “We’re happy but we won’t get too far ahead of ourselves. It’s going to be an exciting challenge against New Zealand.”
The anticipation for Saturday’s match is palpable, and fans are eager to see if England can finally break the All Blacks’ dominance. With kick-off scheduled for 15:00 local time, all eyes will be on Allianz Stadium as England seeks to make history and continue their path toward rugby redemption.
