All Blacks Prepare for High-Stakes Clash Against England

The All Blacks are gearing up for a crucial match against England at Twickenham on November 16, 2024. With the stakes high, New Zealand’s coach Scott Robertson emphasized the team’s focus on securing a result rather than delivering a statement performance.

“We’re just looking for a result,” Robertson said, reflecting on the tight margins that often define encounters between two elite teams. He highlighted the importance of discipline and self-trust in executing their game plan. As both teams prepare for what many consider the standout fixture of the end-of-year tour, the anticipation continues to build.

Robertson has introduced notable changes to his lineup, particularly in the loose forwards, where Simon Parker returns to start at blindside. “He’s a big body, he’s physical, and Wallace Sititi will come on obviously… we still have to make our tackles and turn the ball over, whatever the style of game is, he can add to it,” said Robertson, underscoring Parker’s potential impact on the match.

As discussions surrounding the match continue, Robertson expressed surprise at the nickname ‘Pom Squad’ given to England’s bench by their head coach, Steve Borthwick. The term has been used to describe players like props Ellis Genge and Will Stuart, along with hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and loose forwards Tom Curry and Henry Pollock, who are expected to be impactful in the second half. Robertson acknowledged the tactical innovation behind this approach, noting, “The finishing of test matches is critical… we’ve got to bring all we need to make an impact.”

The haka, a traditional Māori challenge performed by the All Blacks, has also garnered attention. Robertson welcomed the discussion, stating, “We respect that. There are always rules of engagement around it, but they know what we’re going to do.” This contrasts with last year’s controversies surrounding the ritual, indicating a more thoughtful dialogue this time.

Meanwhile, Borthwick is determined to break a three-match losing streak against New Zealand, which includes a narrow defeat of 24-22 in the same fixture last year. He hinted at a kick-heavy strategy, noting that New Zealand’s game plans have heavily relied on the kicking abilities of stars like Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie. “Every game it has spiked how much they have kicked,” he stated, highlighting the tactical element of kicking as a key focus.

As both teams finalize their preparations, the excitement surrounding this encounter at Twickenham continues to mount. The match is set to kick off at 4:10 AM on Sunday, drawing fans from around the globe eager to witness this high-stakes showdown.

**Team Lists:**

**England:**
1. Fin Baxter
2. Jamie George
3. Joe Heyes
4. Maro Itoje (c)
5. Alex Coles
6. Guy Pepper
7. Sam Underhill
8. Ben Earl
9. Alex Mitchell
10. George Ford (vice-captain)
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
12. Fraser Dingwall
13. Ollie Lawrence
14. Tom Roebuck
15. Freddie Steward
**Bench:**
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Ellis Genge
18. Will Stuart
19. Chandler Cunningham-South
20. Tom Curry
21. Henry Pollock
22. Ben Spencer
23. Marcus Smith

**All Blacks:**
1. Ethan de Groot
2. Codie Taylor
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Scott Barrett (c)
5. Fabian Holland
6. Simon Parker
7. Ardie Savea
8. Peter Lakai
9. Cam Roigard
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Billy Proctor
14. Leroy Carter
15. Will Jordan
**Bench:**
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Josh Lord
20. Wallace Sititi
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Anton Lienert-Brown
23. Damian McKenzie

With both teams ready to showcase their talents, fans are in for a thrilling encounter at one of rugby’s most iconic venues.