The Challenge of Facing the All Blacks: Reflections from the Field
When Danny Care reminisces about his experiences facing the All Blacks, he evokes a sense of bewilderment after defeats. Although he was part of England’s memorable victory over the Kiwis in 2012, it is the confusion following a loss that endures in his memory.
You sit down to review the match,” Care recounts. “At 75 minutes, you think ‘we’re going to win’. And a few minutes later, you lose by two tries and everyone is scratching their heads in the locker room wondering why that happened?
Danny Care
Beating the All Blacks is a milestone for any generation. Out of 46 matches in 120 years, England has only won eight times. Their last victory was in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, a triumph considered one of the best performances, comparable to the 2003 victory.
Steve Borthwick’s team has the opportunity this Saturday to secure England’s first home win against the All Blacks since 2012. Jamie George highlights the importance of not being intimidated by the history and the incredible players of the All Blacks.Chris Ashton, who experienced the 2012 victory, shares a similar perspective. The pressure and tradition surrounding the All Blacks can affect the players, and the constant awareness that they can be penalized at any moment is palpable.
Eddie Jones, Japan’s coach, who led England’s victory in 2019, emphasizes that the All Blacks, although exceptional, are vulnerable if the right pressure is applied in the right areas. The key is not to get carried away by the mystique and to focus on the game.
England’s victory in 2012 over the All Blacks, with a score of 38-21, was one of Stuart Lancaster’s best performances. Manu Tuilagi was key in that match.Since the 2012 victory, the 2019 triumph has been overshadowed by the All Blacks’ supremacy. England’s defeats have often left players bewildered, wondering how the loss occurred.
Analyzing the defeats since 2014, recurring themes are observed. The lack of precision, the need to be more ruthless, and the pressure on the scoreboard are key factors.
In 2018, England came close to winning, but a try was disallowed. A year later, they achieved a significant victory in Yokohama. Joe Marler highlighted the importance of breaking the myth of the All Blacks’ invincibility.
The England team adopted a bold strategy, including an arrow-shaped response to the haka. Owen Farrell and Joe Marler led the response.After the 2019 match, coach Steve Hansen was confronted with a question suggesting the All Blacks’ defeat was due to a lack of mental preparation, and he responded firmly.
In 2022, England tied with the All Blacks, but it was Jones’ last match in charge of England. Steve Borthwick, Jones’ successor, recalled the importance of faith and belief in the team.
In 2024, the All Blacks visited Twickenham and won by a narrow margin of 24-22. Care highlights that if opportunities are not taken against the All Blacks, the match is not won.To beat the All Blacks, it’s crucial to overcome their history and aura, strike first, and seize every opportunity. Ashton believes that the perception that the All Blacks are invincible has diminished.
Borthwick’s team needs to stick to their game plan, put history aside, and focus on the fundamental aspects of rugby. Jones advises attacking first and not being intimidated by the mystique.
The Borthwick team is on a nine-game winning streak. Beating the All Blacks would make them the ninth team to achieve this, marking significant progress.
If you could be part of a winning team against anyone, who would you choose?
