Over 60 Years of Defeats: England’s Daunting Task in New Zealand
Over 60 years have passed since England’s maiden Antipodean voyage in 1963, a grueling tour that saw them return battered and beaten. Since then, England’s visits to the Shaky Isles have been cloaked in a long white cloud of defeats, with the last victory over the All Blacks on home soil dating back 20 years.
As England prepare to face the Kiwis in a two-Test series, head coach Steve Borthwick acknowledges the challenge ahead. “It doesn’t get more challenging than playing New Zealand at home, but it’s exactly where we want to be,” he says. The first Test, set to kick off at 8.05am on Saturday, will be the debut for new All Blacks boss Scott Robertson, who takes charge after their World Cup final defeat.
Savea and Earl: The Battle of the Backrows
While the All Blacks have undergone significant changes, with several key players retiring, the talent that remains is undeniable. Ardie Savea, named world player of the year in 2023, will be the beating heart of the team, and England’s Ben Earl will have the chance to stake his claim as one of the best players in the world by outshining his direct opposite.
“Ben’s nice, eh?” Savea effused, recognizing the mutual respect between the two kindred rugby spirits.
The Saracens back row, who has shown his versatility by making a cameo at center, is a facsimile of Savea, with both players possessing explosive pace and breakdown prowess.
A Captivating Encounter Awaits
England’s journey to scale the Everest that is New Zealand on home soil may rest on Earl’s ability to outperform the reigning world player of the year. The first Test, available to UK viewers on Sky Sports from 7.30am, promises to be a captivating encounter between two teams in different stages of their development.
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