International Rugby preview: England foolishly optimistic ahead of All Blacks encounter
England will be hopeful that they can beat the world’s best ranked side New Zealand in a sold out Twickenham this Saturday 6 November.
The English will be confident that they can turn over an All Blacks side that are under pressure after their surprise loss to Australia. Last time the two teams played England put in a gutsy effort in
a 35-28 loss away to the Kiwis.
England head coach Martin Johnson has had a number of injuries to his squad in the build up to the Test match, but he is still able to pick 14 of the same side that faced Australia in their last match.
England's side
British and Irish Lion Andrew Sheridan is the only new name on the team sheet and many will argue that the props inclusion will strengthen England’s front-row despite Tim Payne’s good form.
Johnny Wilkinson is out with an injury so Leicester out-half Toby Flood holds on to the number 10 jersey. Charlie Hodgson is promoted to the bench.
Johnson received a boost in naming captain Lewis Moody in the team. The flanker was expected to miss out after picking up a serious eye injury while on club duty with Bath, but the player has recovered
just in time to take up his position in the team.
Steve Thompson holds off the challenge of Dylan Hartley and Johnson will be looking for a big game from his veteran hooker who is under pressure to keep his place in the team.
Ben Foden, Chris Ashton and Mark Cueto make up an exciting back three that will be expected to attack New Zealand if they are supplied with enough ball.
Team's form
England have improved greatly this year. The team defeated Australia 20-21 in their last game in Sydney to draw the tour at 1-1. They also showed signs of improvement in the Six Nations, but lost to Ireland
and France.
New Zealand come into the game on the back of a shock 26-24 defeat to Australia in the Bledisloe Cup. However, the All Blacks were outstanding in the Tri Nations and won all their games in the competition.
In last year’s Autumn Internationals they defeated all of the northern hemisphere sides and they will put their defeat to Australia down to a one-off poor performance.
All Blacks line-up
Dan Carter will continue at out-half, while Richie McCaw will captain the side. The All Blacks will be missing winger Cory Jane with a chest injury. Hosea Gear will take Jane’s position.
Sonny Williams will make his debut at centre and partners Ma’a Nonu in a powerful midfield.
What to look for
England will be optimistic. They have picked a big physical forward pack to bully New Zealand up front.
The forward battle will be a huge confrontation and if Moody can stop the likes of McCaw from turning over possession and slowing England ball, the team will have a chance
New Zealand are under pressure after their loss and will hope that the forwards can match England’s physicality.
"They are going to be a challenge physically. They are a big team who pride themselves on that. We are going to have to be right on the job to prepare for that," said New Zealand captain Richie McCaw.
If New Zealand can match the physical test they canexpect to see off Johnson’s improving England team. Expect the All Blacks to be angry and looking to prove themselves after their upset loss to Australia.
Prediction: England 15 New Zealand 28
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