What: All Blacks’ Spring Tour
Who: All Blacks vs England
When: Sunday, 9 November – 1.30am (AEDT)
Where: Twickenham Stadium, London
Subscribe to Setanta to catch England & Wales take on the All Blacks
NZ TAB Odds: New Zealand $1.33 England $3.10
What did they do last time?
The All Blacks annihilated the USA last weekend, running in 12 tries and only giving up two penalties in 74-6 win. Prior to that, All Blacks narrowly beat Australia in Brisbane and lost to the Springboks in South Africa while claiming another Rugby Championship trophy.
England’s last outing was in Hamilton in the third Test match of the June internationals. The poor old Poms went close in the first two games but ended up on the wrong side of a series whitewash.
What you need to know
Winger Cory Jane and hooker Nathan Harris are out with injury. Both players started and scored tries against the US last week with Jane picking up a hamstring injury and Harris twisting his ankle.
Coach Steve Hansen can cover Jane, but Harris’ exit is concerning. The All Blacks have only Dan Coles and Keven Mealamu but a replacement will be called in during the week.
Jerome Kaino, Conrad Smith and captain Richie McCaw were all rested last weekend while playmakers Aaron Cruden and Dan Carter returned to the side. Carter was masterful in his 30 minutes and kicked a few sideline conversions.
Lock, Joe Launchbury, who has started the last 20 Tests for England is out with a neck injury.
Reasons to watch
Because it’s gonna be a humdinger. Count on it. With less than a year to the World Cup, this is much more than a mere Test match. It’s a precursor, a grudge match and an indication of form at the ground where the World Cup final will be played next year.
Reasons to turn away
Um, it’s gonna be on early in the morning? Even then, record it and watch at a more sociable hour. There’s no reason to miss this.
Final word
Of the 12 tries the ABs scored against the Eagles last weekend, most were bludgers but a few were absolute gems. Against such a weak opposition, it’s tough to tell just how good the All Blacks were. We’ll get a better understanding this time round.
Dan Carter played 30 minutes off the bench last weekend. He eased through the Eagles defence on several occasions, set up a few tries and was deadly from the tee. Not to say Cruden wasn’t good, but you’d be tempted to start DC at first-five if he’s fit. But is he? The flip side is you don’t want to risk him at the start of the Tour with only a couple of Tests next year before the World Cup.
Expect Cruden to start with Carter riding the pine.
Our prediction
The ABs have lost a gruelling encounter with South Africa, narrowly defeated Australia and enjoyed a confidence boosting demolition of the US in the past month or so. They’ve got Test match level fitness and the combinations to boot. England haven’t played together since June.
All Blacks by 15.