Veteran hooker Codie Taylor mentioned New Zealand predict a ’bloody robust’ opening Take a look at in opposition to England, because the All Blacks start a brand new period beneath Scott Robertson.
New Zealand host England on Saturday in Dunedin within the first of two Checks to open Robertson’s tenure as head coach of the All Blacks, who even have a brand new captain in lock Scott Barrett.
The second is per week later at Auckland’s Eden Park, the place the All Blacks haven’t misplaced since 1994.
“Their recreation is constructed off round their set-piece and placing you beneath stress within the fallacious elements of the sector,” Taylor mentioned on Monday of England.
England warmed up by thrashing Japan 52-17 in Tokyo 9 days in the past earlier than flying in for his or her first tour of New Zealand since 2014.
“They confirmed some great things in opposition to Japan,” Taylor advised reporters in Wellington. “They’ve been over right here, working away. It’s going to be a bloody robust match.”
England have received eight of 43 Checks in opposition to the All Blacks, however solely two of these victories had been on New Zealand soil.
The All Blacks haven’t performed since dropping the Rugby World Cup last to South Africa in Paris in October, since when England performed within the Six Nations, ending third.
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Taylor gave little away about how New Zealand will play beneath Robertson, who led Crusaders to seven straight Tremendous Rugby titles.
“We’ve talked about readability and connection, and the way we need to play. Inside that, there’s some thrilling issues,” Taylor mentioned.
“We at all times satisfaction ourselves in taking part in what’s in entrance of us, but it surely’s coping with the likes of an England workforce that desires to place you beneath stress and get the ball behind you.”
All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen hinted that the facet’s techniques wouldn’t embrace radical adjustments.
“Basically, it’s going to be round our set-piece capability to create momentum and construct stress,” he mentioned. “That may nonetheless be our DNA, that’s All Blacks rugby. We’re excited to see the workforce come collectively for the primary time.”
England fullback George Furbank mentioned they anticipated Robertson to have made an impression.
“He’s a profitable coach, take a look at all of the trophies he received with the Crusaders,” Furbank advised reporters in Auckland. “He is aware of how one can get a workforce to win.”
The fullback anticipated New Zealand to stay to their strengths. “They’ve an excellent off-loading recreation, they’re superb on the entrance foot, particularly at dwelling,” Furbank mentioned. “We all know there’s a huge problem coming this weekend.”
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