Overview
- England enter the match on a nine-Test winning run and target a tenth straight victory against New Zealand.
- The fixture offers a first chance since 2019 to beat the All Blacks after four winless meetings, including three narrow defeats in 2024 when England failed to score in the final quarter.
- Steve Borthwick has named six British & Irish Lions among the replacements to inject experience and impact late in the game.
- Maro Itoje stresses mental clarity, physical intensity and execution in the last 15 minutes as the keys to closing out New Zealand.
- New Zealand welcome back captain Scott Barrett, retain Beauden Barrett at fly-half with Damian McKenzie on the bench, and remain in pursuit of a Home Nations grand slam.