A Whiter Shade of Pale or Paint it Black?

As the air of expectation thickens over Twickenham, what can be expected of this match to match all matches?

England versus The All Blacks.

No pressure then!

With the past two International performances highlighting the fact that what England produced in one half is not replicated in the other, what strategies will Stuart Lancaster adapt to ensure consistency and strength throughout the whole match? Start to finish. He has praised England’s defence last Saturday and is focussing on giving England the self belief that they can win.

But should England’s defence have been kept so busy? And what are the major differences in the teams?

The All Blacks game play is to commit few numbers to the ruck without any detriment to quick ball. Their pace and execution of play enable them to outnumber the opposition on all parts of the pitch, leaving the opposition in their wake but Stuart Lancaster has highlighted the momentum changes and momentum swings in any game. 

Is his aim that players recognise the changes, thinking on their feet to adapt their play and maintain game control and management? As a rugby player, I appreciate this is easier said than done, but a strategy England must aim for. This coupled with quick improvement in some areas will be crucial for their success.

 If England can defend to form and they battle to win at the breakdown they'll lay down the foundation for a solid win.  Players who enhance the game such as Lee Dickson with quick play, and the likes of Tom Wood and Chris Robshaw making the hits, especially with the highest tackle count for England to date, the Captain will be looking to make this two wins from two against the All Blacks.

It's in no doubt that all eyes will be on the scrum and the battle of the forwards pack. The Kiwi's have a saying, ‘one man, one bullet’, if an opponent is trying to steal the ball at the breakdown, it should take only one All Black to clean him out.

 

With the All Blacks unrivalled success so far, they'll be looking to redeem themselves after their last visit to HQ when they were defeated 38-21.

 

As New Zealand come to Twickenham aiming for their twelfth win in twelve games, New Zealand-born Dylan Hartley has summed it up brilliantly.


"The All Blacks have been fantastic on recent form and come here with a big number one badge on.

"We'll have to be up for it and play the perfect game - for the whole game."

Exactly!