England are poised to end a 13-year wait for a home victory over New Zealand when the teams meet at Twickenham on Saturday. Rain has drenched south-west London this week, but the forecast suggests a damp, grey afternoon rather than the biblical deluge that would have turned the match into outdoor water polo.
The last men’s win at Twickenham came in 2012, when England stormed to a 38-21 victory. Since then, the All Blacks have dominated, though England did beat them convincingly in the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final in Yokohama. Otherwise, it has been a tale of near misses.
This weekend’s encounter carries added weight. England have won their past nine Tests, but this match will be a true measure of progress. Success would validate their rising confidence, while defeat could undermine it.
Players have spoken of a mental shift. Fly-half George Ford, selected ahead of Fin and Marcus Smith, said: “When it does come to that last 20 minutes, we’ve found a way to win. We’ve felt a lot calmer and more composed in those moments.” He added that the team must maintain intensity: “The moment you sit off or become a bit passive is the moment they could potentially get on top.”
The impact of the replacements, dubbed the “Pom Squad”, has been significant. Henry Pollock has been mimicking Ardie Savea in training, and Tom Curry brings fresh energy. England have won the second half by an aggregate 39-5 in their last two November Tests.
Accuracy in defence and attack will be vital. Players have been gathering in huddles to reinforce processes under pressure. Ford recalled last year’s 24-22 loss, where a penalty hit a post and a drop goal went wide, but stressed: “Let’s absolutely keep going at them. What’s the point in stepping on the field if we don’t believe we can win?”
