England vs New Zealand | Saturday 15 November |Allianz Twickenham
New Zealand was far from convincing against Scotland last week, surrendering a 17–0 lead before eventually regaining control to secure a 25–17 victory. W
hile the Scots deserve credit for their spirited fightback, the reality is that the All Blacks should have been out of sight in the second half. Their ill-discipline resulting in three yellow cards, is a major concern heading into this weekend’s clash in London.
It has been another underwhelming season by All Black standards, and securing a European Grand Slam would provide a much-needed boost ahead of a 2026 campaign headlined by the Greatest Rivalry tour to South Africa.
With wins already banked against Ireland and Scotland, and a likely victory over Wales to come next week, Saturday’s showdown at Twickenham has suddenly become one of the defining fixtures of their year.
A defeat here would only intensify the uncertainty and instability surrounding this current New Zealand group.
England, meanwhile, have begun to build real momentum under Steve Borthwick after navigating doubts early in his tenure.
They, too, are two from two in November following convincing wins over the Wallabies (25–7) and Fiji (38–18) and look as settled as they have been in years heading into a meeting with the world’s No. 2 side.
Borthwick has handed George Ford the reins at flyhalf and named a bench stacked with experience, including six British & Irish Lions.
It’s a matchday squad brimming with quality, belief, and the firepower needed to deliver a knockout blow to the visitors.
With Ireland showing signs of regression and France hamstrung by injuries to key players, this improving England outfit looks poised to be a major force at the next World Cup.
A victory here would be seismic in the buildup to the Six Nations.
Verdict: England on the board
New Zealand looks vulnerable and ripe for the taking by a fast-evolving, increasingly confident England side.