mens
nations-championship
England Captain Maro Itoje believes his side are ready for a “huge step” next week to face All black people a side who will be reeling from their first defeat to Wales in 73 years.
Ito’s team confirmed their victory with a score of 45-22 Australia last week with a comprehensive 78-15 win Japan on Saturday at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium in the Nations Championship. But the main result of the day came just hours before, as Wales inflicted a historic 35-28 defeat on the All Blacks.
England’s meeting with New Zealand was always billed as their toughest game in November – bar none Nations Championship final – but the game has a new dimension in light of the result in Cardiff.
Speaking after his Brave Blossoms lost at Twickenham, Japan head coach Eddie Jones warned England of what lies ahead next week against an All Blacks side who will be eager to make amends for the defeat.
“They’re violent,” Jones said. “They are usually violent, very physical and will be very disappointed with today’s performance.
“New Zealand will be back to the New Zealand of old next week. They will be tough, tough and physical around the breakdown.”
Regardless of the result at the Principality Stadium, Itoje said every encounter with the All Blacks is “fiercely contested” and expects next week to be no different.
In many ways, the game will be crucial in determining where England sit in the Test landscape and how their November campaign can be judged. But it’s a challenge Itoje feels his team is ready for.
“It will be a big step forward, New Zealand are a world-class team,” Itoje said as he looked ahead to next week’s game.
“We’ve had some great battles with them over the years. They’re right up there with the toughest teams to play. So it’s going to be a big step up, but I think it’s a step up that this team is ready for.”
“Every time we play New Zealand, it’s a tough game. Next week, I’m very confident it won’t be any different. Obviously they’re going to want a response and we want to show where this team is going. So it’s going to be a very tough game.”