Autumn Internationals Preview: England versus All Blacks
The anxious wait for rugby fans is almost over. The biggest match of the year is due to start at 2.30 PM, tomorrow, at Twickenham Stadium, London. England and All Blacks, both are going to begin their autumn season with this match. No rugby fan can desire for better opening match of autumn season than the match of England and All Blacks.
All Blacks’ performance has been outstanding throughout the year, while England is not performing at their best. All Blacks’ current rank in International Rugby Union’s ranking is one. On the other hand, England is holding the 6th position in international ranking.
Past Record
If we look at the previous records of England and All Blacks matches, we see that All Blacks have had far better records then England.
Both teams have faced each other 33 times in past, out of which All blacks won the 26 matches, while England has only won 6 matches; 1 match was drawn.
All Blacks record in matches played in England is also very dominating. Both teams have played 20 matches in England, out of which All Blacks won the 15 matches; on the other hand England only won 4 and 1 match was drawn.
Both teams have previously played 18 matches at Twickenham Stadium and All Blacks is on the top there as well. All Blacks won 13 matches here, while England only won 4 and 1 match was drawn.
England hasn’t won any match against All Blacks since 2003. It was in Wellington, when England beat All Blacks last time.
England’s Hope
England is hoping that All Blacks’ confidence is not at their best after their last test match defeat against Australia and they will try to get advantage of it. But England can’t forget All Blacks’ victory of recent Tri Nations Title, where they won their all the six matches of the tournament.
England is feeling more confident after their win against Australia in the last test match they played. Which shows a very thrilling and crucial match will be waiting for us tomorrow.
Team Changes
England’s manager Martin Johnson has made one change in his team, which won the match against Australia. Johnson has called back the prop Andrew Sheridan in the team, who will be playing his first international match in over a year.
On the other hand, All Blacks’ coach graham Henry has decided give the cap to Sonny Bill Williams and he also has replaced the injured Cory Jane with Hosea Gear.
Our Opinion
It is a million dollars question in rugby’s world now days, can England beat the All Blacks? Yes England can beat All Blacks but only if they come up with solid game plan and follow their game plan strictly. If they don’t follow then All Blacks will take the game easily.
Dan Carter will be the main player for All Blacks, who is without doubt one of the best fly half in the world. If England wants to win then they have to come up with some solid solution for Dan Carter. If they get hold of him then it will be much easy for England.
England’s Team
15 Ben Foden; 14 Chris Ashton,13 Mike Tindall, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Mark Cueto; 10 Toby Flood, 9 Ben Youngs; 1 Andrew Sheridan, 2 Steve Thompson, 3 Dan Cole; 4 Courtney Lawes, 5 Tom Palmer; 6 Tom Croft, 7 Lewis Moody (Capt), 8 Nick Easter.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Harltey, 17 David Wilson, 18 David Attwood, 19 Hendrie Fourie, 20 Danny Care, 21 Charlie Hodgson, 22 Delon Armitage
All Blacks’ Team
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Josevata Rokocoko, 13 Sonny Bill Williams, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Alby Mathewson; 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Keven Mealamu, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Brad Thorn, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 Richie McCaw (Capt), 8 Kieran Read.
Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Isaia Toeava.
Date: Saturday, November 6
Venue: Twickenham, London
Weather: 12° C. Sunny intervals. Very light Westerly wind
Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees: Stuart Dickinson (Australia), David Changleng (Scotland)
Television match official: Giulio De Santis (Italy)
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