Jamie George Cautions Team Against Sit Back at New Zealand's Aura

England's skipper has warned that Steve Borthwick's side should steer clear of being overwhelmed by New Zealand's formidable reputation if they aim to secure their maiden Twickenham victory over the visitors in over a decade this weekend.

Team Updates Ahead of Crucial Fixture

England's head coach got a welcome boost with Elliot Daly recovering from injury and available for his first appearance since suffering an arm fracture on Lions tour, while Freddie Steward and Tom Roebuck were also named in the 37-man group announced on Sunday night.

Recent Performances Differs with Previous Woes

The home side host New Zealand after extending their unbeaten run to nine matches with a commanding 38-18 win over Fiji, again pulling away in the final quarter. This strong run stands in stark contrast from a year ago, when England suffered multiple losses in seven outings, each by fine margins. A trio of these losses came against New Zealand—during the overseas tour and a 24-22 reverse at home after the fly-half failed with late goal attempts.

The All Blacks just defeated Scotland on the weekend to keep hopes of a home nations grand slam alive, and while the Springboks secured their number one spot, George has hailed the All Blacks as “perhaps the best side in the world.”

Of the last 11 encounters, the team's only victory over New Zealand was during the 2019 World Cup semi-final, and the visitors remain unbeaten in the recent fixtures at England's home ground.

The Captain's Perspective on Playing the Kiwis

“Many sides tend to is sit back in awe of New Zealand with their history and all their world-class talent,” stated former captain George. “It’s tempting to do that. I’ve probably done it in the past. We must remember we’ll be back here at this venue. We’re very proud to be playing here. We are going to do all we can to come out on top.

“You have to be at your best. New Zealand are arguably the strongest team in the world at the minute. They are a exceptionally skilled team and they seem to step up a gear when they visit this stadium. The important thing for us is is work out where we might have improved in the first half this week. But also, have a defined strategy which can put them under as much pressure as we are able to. By doing so, we’ll create a opportunity.

“We came under a bit of heat last year for not coming out on the right side of close contests and not figuring out how to win. Now, we’re doing the exact opposite. By no means have we cracked it. But we’ve placed a strong focus on the latter stages of games and closing games out. Scoring multiple tries in the final segment of the match is a mark of a quality team.”

The Coach's Outlook and Squad Adjustments

Borthwick is likely to make a number of adjustments to his side, with skipper Maro Itoje, the flanker, and Ford all expected to return to the first XV. The wing and the newcomer each took knocks against Fiji but have been selected in the squad preparing to take on the All Blacks.

“We aim to challenge ourselves against the top sides and [New Zealand] are one of those best teams,” said Borthwick. “Our team is youthful, we’re developing, I think we’re improving quickly and we’re keen to learn. So I’m sure next week’s going to be a valuable test for us.”

Earl's Reflection on Growth

The number eight, in addition, thinks that England’s present capacity to pull clear in the closing stages of games owes much to their triple close losses by the All Blacks last year. “It leaves you seasoned, you feel like you’ve been through battles, you’ve got the experience to build on those losses, and they hurt at the time,” said the back-rower, who was awarded man of the match against the Fijians. “But I question among the squad in the changing room, would we have changed our path now, with the joy that we’re now enjoying? I’d be interested to know because I think they’re extremely priceless lessons.”