Veteran hooker Codie Taylor mentioned New Zealand expect a ’bloody robust’ opening Take a look at in opposition to England, because the All Blacks start a brand new period below 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 below 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 good 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 gained eight of 43 Checks in opposition to the All Blacks, however solely two of these victories have 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 below 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 all the time pleasure ourselves in enjoying what’s in entrance of us, nevertheless it’s coping with the likes of an England staff that desires to place you below 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 skill 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 staff come collectively for the primary time.”
England fullback George Furbank mentioned they anticipated Robertson to have made an affect.
“He’s a profitable coach, take a look at all of the trophies he gained with the Crusaders,” Furbank advised reporters in Auckland. “He is aware of the right way to get a staff to win.”
The fullback anticipated New Zealand to stay to their strengths. “They’ve an excellent off-loading recreation, they’re excellent on the entrance foot, particularly at residence,” Furbank mentioned. “We all know there’s a large problem coming this weekend.”
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