England end their four-year wait to meet New Zealand when the rivals clash at Twickenham on Saturday, entering the second Quilter International buoyed by a 12-11 victory over South Africa.
Here Press Association Sport examines five things Eddie Jones’ men must do to stun the All Blacks.
Be relentlessly physical
South Africa triumphed in Wellington in September and should have completed the double only to allow a 30-13 lead to crumble before a trademark New Zealand fightback in Pretoria. Apart from exposing the All Blacks’ myth of invincibility, the matches showed what is required to beat the sport’s dominant force – be relentlessly physical. The collisions and breakdown must be won.
Only tries will do
Next up…the @AllBlacks 🔥#ENGvNZL #CarryThemHome 🌹 pic.twitter.com/ECSj1v9FjR
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 5, 2018
As a ruthless attacking machine, New Zealand cannot be contained. This year they average 39 points per game, have scored a minimum of 26 each time and even when losing to South Africa they amassed 34. Relying on Owen Farrell and Elliot Daly to kick penalties will not be sufficient – England must produce tries to stay in contention.
Tackle, tackle, tackle
Facing the most clinical team in rugby – and possibly in any sport – England need to defend as if their lives depend on it. Hard nosed Kiwi John Mitchell oversees this department in the wake of Paul Gustard’s departure and, given the rousing rearguard action seen in the fist-half against South Africa, there is evidence that his methods are already working.
Believe
💬 England head coach Eddie Jones issues a message to next Saturday’s opponents New Zealand, saying “bring it on”.
📝 Read more from Eddie on next Saturday's clash: https://t.co/mRITlGsvBF pic.twitter.com/kByBIYGp2h
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 4, 2018
Only the conviction that New Zealand can be toppled will be enough to propel England to a famous win. Jones has already referenced the role belief plays in against-the-odds-challenges, citing his experience as a hooker for Randwick against New Zealand in 1988 as evidence. A gutsy win against South Africa has improved their chances of humbling the world champions.
Get Garces on side
Indiscipline is a recurring issue for England and this Achilles heel was present again in the first half on Saturday with Maro Itoje in particular falling foul of referee Angus Gardner’s whistle. Jerome Garces is overseeing New Zealand’s visit to Twickenham and, as with all French officials, he is willing to punish the inferior scrum. England’s set-piece was inconsistent against South Africa so will need to improve to avoid censure from Garces, while also keeping penalties to an absolute minimum.
