🔗 Share this article Jamie George Cautions Team Not to Sit Back at New Zealand's Reputation England's skipper has warned that the team must avoid being overwhelmed by New Zealand's formidable reputation if they hope to secure their first Twickenham triumph over the visitors in over a decade this weekend. Squad Boost Ahead of Pivotal Fixture England's head coach got a timely boost with Elliot Daly returning to fitness and available for his first appearance since sustaining an injury on British & Irish Lions duty, while Freddie Steward and the wing featured in the 37-man squad announced on the weekend. Current Form Contrasts with Past Struggles England host New Zealand after extending their winning streak to nine matches with a decisive 38-18 win over the Pacific Islanders, romping clear in the final quarter. This strong run marks a dramatic shift from 12 months back, when the team endured six defeats in seven matches, each by fine margins. A trio of these losses were inflicted by the Kiwis—during the overseas tour and a 24-22 loss at home after George Ford failed with late goal attempts. New Zealand narrowly edged out Scotland on Saturday to maintain aspirations of a clean sweep intact, and while the Springboks secured their number one spot, the captain has hailed New Zealand as “perhaps the top team in the world.” In the previous 11 meetings, the team's sole win over New Zealand came in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, and New Zealand remain unbeaten in the recent fixtures at England's home ground. The Captain's Perspective on Facing the All Blacks “What a lot of teams do is sit back in awe of the All Blacks with their legacy and all their incredible talent,” stated former captain George. “It’s easy to do that. I’ve probably done it in the past. We must remember we’ll be playing at this venue. It’s an honour 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 without doubt the best side in the world at the minute. They are a exceptionally skilled team and they appear to raise a gear when they come to Allianz Stadium. Our focus for us is is work out where we might have improved in the opening period this week. But also, have a clear gameplan which can put them under as much pressure as we possibly can. If we do that, we’ll create a chance. “We faced a bit of heat last year for not emerging on the right side of tight games and not figuring out how to win. Currently, we’re doing the complete reverse. Not at all have we cracked it. But we’ve placed a big emphasis on the final phases of games and finishing strongly. Scoring however many tries in the final segment of that game is a sign of a quality team.” Borthwick's Outlook and Team Adjustments The England coach is again expected to make a several changes to his side, with captain Maro Itoje, the flanker, and Ford all set to be reinstated to the starting lineup. Tommy Freeman and the newcomer each took knocks against the Islanders but have been included in the squad getting ready to take on the All Blacks. “We aim to test our mettle against the best teams and [New Zealand] are among best teams,” commented Borthwick. “We’re a young side, we’re developing, I think we’re growing rapidly and we’re eager to learn. So I’m sure the upcoming will be a valuable assessment for us.” The Star's Take on Growth Ben Earl, in addition, believes that England’s current capacity to break away in the dying minutes of games owes much to their three narrow defeats by the All Blacks the previous year. “You feel battle-hardened, you feel like you’ve got the wounds, you’ve developed the scar tissue to learn from those losses, and they stung at the time,” remarked Earl, who was named man of the match against the Fijians. “But I question among the squad in the changing room, if we’d alter our path now, with the joy that we’re now experiencing? I’d be interested to know because I think they’re extremely valuable lessons.”