The All Blacks are heading to Twickenham to face England, and the memories of their 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat are still fresh. Captain Scott Barrett admitted the team still carries 'scars' from that loss, fueling the anticipation for Saturday's clash at Allianz Stadium.
England's Twickenham Fortress
England haven't lost to New Zealand at home since 2012. However, that 2019 World Cup victory in Yokohama remains a significant triumph for the English, crushing the All Blacks' hopes for a three-peat.
Since 2012, New Zealand has visited Twickenham five times, securing four wins (2013, 2014, 2018, 2024) and one draw (2022). They've also defeated England five more times on Kiwi soil. Despite this, the 2019 defeat continues to linger.
"If our history's anything to go by, it's going be a heck of a Test match and we've certainly got some scars from the English going back to the 2019 World Cup. We don't want to go there again," Barrett stated.
Sititi on the Bench, Fainga'anuku on the Wing
Wallace Sititi, named World Rugby's breakthrough player of 2024, will start on the bench. Leicester Fainga'anuku moves to the wing, replacing the injured Caleb Clarke, with Billy Proctor slotting into midfield. Beauden Barrett remains at fly-half, and Will Jordan continues at full-back.
England's strong bench, featuring six British and Irish Lions, aims to ensure they finish the match strongly, a focus after fading in tight contests last season. Simon Parker replaces Sititi in the starting lineup, and Scott Barrett returns after recovering from a leg injury.
The All Blacks have already secured victories against Ireland and Scotland this month, but the challenge of facing England at Twickenham, with the weight of past defeats, is a different beast altogether. Will they overcome their 'scars' and silence the home crowd?