The match between England and New Zealand is one of those games that can change dynamics and reveal a team’s true level.
This weekend, with Twickenham roaring, both teams arrive with much to prove.
But who has the advantage: an England prepared for one of the biggest challenges under the direction of Steve Borthwick, or a New Zealand eager to regain the aura that, according to some critics, has diminished?
On Saturday we will have all the answers. For now, let’s debate…
Why England Could Win
The English selection arrives with confidence, the support of its fans and a team ready for the challenge.
England has accumulated nine consecutive victories and seeks its first win at Twickenham against the All Blacks since 2012. Matches against this team can surprise and make logic change.
To win, England must focus on its strengths: physical play, direct running, perfection in set-piece play, a solid kicking game, and speed when time and space allow.They have a solid game plan and confidence, as well as great depth on the bench, with players from the British & Irish Lions. The key is to be ahead on the scoreboard.
To beat the All Blacks, you have to attack first and do it with force.
Eddie Jones
The confidence of the English players is high heading into this match. They will need to focus on neutralizing Ardie Savea and Will Jordan, key players for New Zealand. If they manage to control these two, a large part of the All Blacks’ game will be diminished.
Why New Zealand Could Win
The All Blacks are looking for the Grand Slam in the northern hemisphere and, despite some recent doubts, still have some of the best players in the world.
Will Jordan’s performance, with 44 tries in 52 matches, is impressive. In addition, they have Scott Barrett as captain. They showed against Scotland their ability to come through in difficult moments. If New Zealand takes the lead early, England will need a great comeback to break the winless streak at home. If they need extra energy in the second half, Wallace Sititi is ready.
The history, aura, and mana are on their side. It will be a very tough match for the visitors. With several players from the British and Irish Lions in their team, England is confident of dominating the game at the breakdown, so New Zealand must disrupt their game and force errors.
They will have to focus on players like Maro Itoje and Ben Earl, keeping them as controlled as possible. If they manage to score points early and silence Twickenham, making the fans nervous and England will begin to doubt, they will have a good opportunity.
Who needs victory more?
Both teams have a lot at stake.
Scott Robertson seeks to establish himself as the All Blacks coach. A victory at Twickenham against a rising England would leave them one step away from the Grand Slam in the north, making the summer even better for Robertson.
Steve Borthwick needs to show that his team can beat the big teams. The barrier is more psychological than physical. They won last year and let the victory slip away. Although they have won nine games in a row, beating the All Blacks would demonstrate a big change in the team’s mentality and mark a before and after.
