Two heavyweights will collide at Twickenham on Saturday when reigning world champions New Zealand face off against top rival contenders England. The All Blacks have been on a roll seemingly since time immemorial, but were famously defeated at this very stadium two years ago. That was then and this is now, and England field something of an experimental side, especially in the backs, with a multitude of leading players on the disabled list.
Chief among the absentees is midfield dynamo Manu Tuilagi, who gave the All Black midfield fits on that day, and with no Luther Burrell either to fill in, it’s pocket rocket Kyle Eastmond who brings something completely different to the attack. The Bath star has been in scintillating form this season but will be giving away almost a foot in height and more than 25kg to his opposite, Sonny Bill Williams, an amazing fact in the modern world where backs regularly weight in more than the forwards of yesteryear. Eastmond will have help from Saracens duo Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt, the latter recalled primarily for his defensive prowess, and how exactly they will configure has yet to be seen.
Farrell’s selection over in-form George Ford is a tad on the conservative side, suggesting that Ford’s similarly small stature might leave the midfield too vulnerable against the likes of Williams and Julian Savea, though Farrell’s previous win over New Zealand most certainly factored into the decision. Should Farrell’s boot fade, Ford’s more versatile attacking skills will be ready to enter from the bench, where clubmate Anthony Watson also lies in waiting to claim his first cap after beating out fellow youngster Jack Nowell as outside back cover.
Another contentious area of selection is out wide with Gloucester glider Jonny May preferred to Marland Yarde, though a similar sort of player resides on the right wing. Fijian born Semesa Rokoduguni caps an amazing ascension over the past year from army reservist to full-blown international. Given his tremendous form in the Premiership it’s not hard to see why. His combination of power and pace sees him oust Chris Ashton in a switch that could quickly become permanent if ‘Roko’ delivers on Saturday.
The forwards are essentially business as usual. Few countries could comfortably survive losing the likes of Alex Corbisiero, Dan Cole, Joe Launchbury, and Geoff Parling, but England have hardly blinked. Joe Marler and David Wilson are proven test performers themselves, and Dave Attwood is a chip off the old ‘white orc’ production line. Newcomer George Kruis could win his first cap from the bench, with his high work rate bringing something a little different.
For New Zealand it’s same old, same old, and that’s not a bad thing. Tony Woodcock and Ma’a Nonu are out injured, but otherwise it’s a full strength starting XV, and whose to say Williams wouldn’t have been preferred to Nonu anyway. Dan Carter is healthy again but with only a few minutes of time against the Eagles he’s still a bit short on match fitness, so it’s Aaron Cruden who mans the controls in the no10 jersey.
This promises to be the match of the weekend, and with good ol’ Nigel Owens in charge, what could possibly go wrong? Much of the excitement comes from the unknowns surrounding England’s side. How much rugby will they risk outside New Zealand territory? How will they use Eastmond? Can they contain Williams and Savea? It’s thrilling stuff, and will surely prove the highlight of the weekend. Look for the All Blacks to get their swagger back at RFU HQ. England will put up a fight but eventually succumb to the classy champions by around 15 points.
ENGLAND vs NEW ZEALAND
Saturday, November 8, 14:30 GMT, London
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
Assistants: Jérôme Garcès (FFR) & Dudley Phillips (IRFU)
TMO: Simon McDowell (IRFU)
