The All Blacks got a bit lucky against a defiant English team in Auckland last week. With several reinforcements in the side, can the visitors steal a win? England have never won in Dunedin, and of course haven’t won in New Zealand since their world champion side pipped one in Wellington more than a decade ago. Last week’s result will have filled them with confidence, and it will be up to New Zealand to pick up their socks after last week’s showing.
Stuart Lancaster has resisted making changes to the pack, with unfortunate James Haskell dropping out and Tom Wood taking his place. Rob Webber retains the no2 jersey with Dylan Hartley forced to start on the bench, similarly Courtney Lawes and Billy Vunipola will have to wait for their chances. Injury to Henry Thomas means Newcastle’s Kieran Brookes is set to make his debut as reserve tighthead.
As well as Freddie Burns went last week, most England fans will be pleased to have Owen Farrell back at no10, and overjoyed to see Danny Care fighting fit again. Billy Twelvetrees has recovered from an ankle knock but it’s Luther Burrell that will partner him in the centre, with Manu Tuilagi instead pushed out to the wing. The move is seen by many as a gamble, though the move has been mooted for some time following Burrell’s impressive Six Nations.
New Zealand rolls out a nearly unchanged side, despite coach Steve Hansen making it very clear that he was none to impressed with last week’s performance. Israel Dagg misses out injured, but Julian Savea is good to go and lines up at his usual left wing, with Cory Jane moving back to the right and Ben Smith sliding back to fullback. Kieran Read continues to be absent due to concussion and there is speculation that he won’t be seen again until the Rugby Championship.
The game plan for the All Blacks will be pretty simple – play better than last week. Only Jerome Kaino and Victor Vito came through the game with positive scores, the rest were very ordinary. To a man they will have to stand up this week or very conceivably be dropped with the World Cup on the horizon.
England will hope to get a few more calls their way this week, and will look to put the pressure on early and often. If Care and Farrell can move the ball quickly there are danger men in the wider channels. Expect this to be a fierce contest from the get-go, but a resurgent New Zealand will stave off defeat once again. Take the home side in another close one by 7.
NEW ZEALAND vs ENGLAND
Saturday, June 14, 07:35 GMT, Dunedin
Referee: Jaco Peyper (SARU)
Assistants: Nigel Owens (WRU) & Jérôme Garces (FFR)
TMO: George Ayoub (ARU)
