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England's skipper has warned that Steve Borthwick's side must avoid being intimidated by the All Blacks' legendary status if they hope to secure their first Twickenham triumph over the Kiwis in 13 years this Saturday.

Squad Boost Before Crucial Fixture

Steve Borthwick got a welcome lift with Elliot Daly returning to fitness and in contention for his first appearance since suffering an injury on Lions duty, while the full-back and the wing featured in the 37-man group revealed on Sunday night.

Recent Performances Contrasts with Past Struggles

England host the All Blacks after extending their unbeaten run to nine games with a commanding 38-18 victory over the Pacific Islanders, again pulling away in the final quarter. This strong run stands in stark contrast from a year ago, when the team suffered multiple losses in seven outings, each by fine margins. Three of those losses were inflicted by the Kiwis—two on the 2024 summer tour and a tight loss at home after George Ford missed late goal attempts.

New Zealand just defeated the Scots on the weekend to maintain aspirations of a home nations grand slam intact, and though the Springboks cemented their number one spot, the captain has hailed the All Blacks as “arguably the best side in the world.”

In the previous 11 meetings, England's only victory over New Zealand came in the global tournament semi, and the visitors remain unbeaten in the recent clashes at England's home ground.

George's Insight on Playing the Kiwis

“Many sides tend to is sit back in admiration of the All Blacks with their history and all their world-class players,” said the experienced hooker. “It’s easy to do that. I’ve probably done it before. We’ve also got to be aware we’ll be back here at this venue. We’re very proud to be competing at home. We will do all we can to win that game.

“You have to be at your peak. The All Blacks are arguably the strongest team in the world at the minute. They are a exceptionally skilled team and they seem to step up a gear when they visit this stadium. Our focus for us is is identify where we might have improved in the first half this week. But also, have a clear gameplan which can apply as much stress as we are able to. If we do that, we’ll create a opportunity.

“We came under a lot of criticism last year for not emerging on the winning end of close contests and not figuring out how to win. Currently, we’re doing the complete reverse. Not at all have we cracked it. But we’ve placed a big emphasis on the final phases of games and closing games out. Notching however many tries in the final segment of that game is a mark of a good team.”

The Coach's View and Team Changes

The England coach is likely to make a several adjustments to his side, with skipper Maro Itoje, the flanker, and the fly-half all set to be reinstated to the starting lineup. Tommy Freeman and the newcomer each took knocks against Fiji but both have been selected in the squad preparing to take on New Zealand.

“We aim to challenge ourselves against the best teams and [New Zealand] are among best teams,” commented Borthwick. “We’re a young side, we’re developing, I think we’re improving rapidly and we’re eager to learn. So I’m sure next week’s will be a valuable test for us.”

Earl's Reflection on Progress

The number eight, in addition, believes that the team's current capacity to pull clear in the dying minutes of games owes much to their triple close losses by the All Blacks last year. “It leaves you seasoned, you feel like you’ve got the wounds, you’ve got the experience to build on those setbacks, and they stung at the time,” remarked the back-rower, who was named player of the game against the Fijians. “But I question among the squad in the dressing room, would we have changed our journey now, with the success that we’re now enjoying? I’d be interested to know because I think they’re extremely priceless lessons.”