The All Blacks arrive at Twickenham this weekend carrying the weight of history and a painful scar from their 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat to England, as they seek to maintain an impressive 13-year unbeaten record at the famous London stadium.
The Ghost of 2019
New Zealand skipper Scott Barrett has openly admitted that the memory of England's "generational performance" in Yokohama six years ago continues to haunt the All Blacks. That stunning victory, masterminded by Eddie Jones, ended New Zealand's reign as world champions and created what Barrett describes as a lasting scar.
"Every All Black wants to win a World Cup so to have that dream the rug pulled out from under you by England certainly leaves a scar," Barrett confessed. "I think for us it is about taking the strengths that we've built on this season and putting in a performance we're proud of."
Twickenham Dominance Under Threat
Despite that World Cup heartbreak, the All Blacks have enjoyed remarkable success at Twickenham since 2012, remaining unbeaten in their last five visits. Their most recent encounter saw them edge a dramatic victory by just two points last year, maintaining their stronghold at English rugby's headquarters.
This weekend's match represents the third leg of New Zealand's Grand Slam tour, having already dispatched Ireland and Scotland. Yet England present their toughest challenge yet, with the hosts narrowly favoured by bookmakers - a status that doesn't surprise the All Blacks captain.
For Barrett and his absent brother Jordie, World Cup success remains elusive, with only Beauden Barrett having experienced triumph in 2015. The siblings will hope to change that come 2027, but first must navigate what promises to be a fiercely contested autumn international.
England's Motivation for Change
England fly-half George Ford has highlighted the rarity of victories over New Zealand as key motivation for the home side. With only eight previous English triumphs in history, and the last Twickenham victory dating back to 2012, Ford believes it's time to create new memories.
"There's only been eight ever. It's like, come on, let's have a ninth now," Ford stated. "Jamie mentioned earlier this week, the last time England beat New Zealand at Twickenham was 2012. And people still go on about 2012."
He added: "Why can't we be the next team, 2025, that they talk about? The New Zealand game at Twickenham, 13 years ago was the last one. It's definitely part of my motivation."
England are yet to beat either New Zealand or South Africa during Steve Borthwick's tenure, making this encounter crucial for establishing their credentials as a coming force in world rugby. The hosts are expected to stick to their gameplan, featuring an intense aerial battle that they'll be determined to win.
Team Line-ups:
England: Freddie Steward; Tom Roebuck, Ollie Lawrence, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; George Ford, Alex Mitchell; Fin Baxter, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje (capt), Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Sam Underhill, Ben Earl.
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Henry Pollock, Ben Spencer, Marcus Smith.
New Zealand: Will Jordan; Leroy Carter, Billy Proctor, Quinn Tupaea, Leicester Fainga'anuku; Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (capt), Fabian Holland, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Peter Lakai.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie.
