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England's skipper has warned that the team should steer clear of being overwhelmed by the All Blacks' legendary status if they aim to achieve their first Twickenham victory over the Kiwis in 13 years this Saturday.

Squad Boost Before Crucial Fixture

Steve Borthwick got a welcome boost with the versatile back returning to fitness and available for selection since sustaining an injury on British & Irish Lions tour, while the full-back and Tom Roebuck were also named in the 37-man squad revealed on Sunday night.

Recent Performances Differs with Previous Woes

The home side will welcome New Zealand after stretching their winning streak to nine matches with a commanding comfortable win over Fiji, romping clear in the closing stages. Their current form stands in stark contrast from a year ago, when England suffered multiple losses in seven matches, each by fine margins. Three of those losses were inflicted by New Zealand—during the overseas tour and a 24-22 reverse at home after the fly-half missed late goal attempts.

The All Blacks just defeated the Scots on Saturday to maintain hopes of a clean sweep intact, and while South Africa secured their number one spot, the captain has hailed the All Blacks as “perhaps the best side in the world.”

Of the last 11 meetings, England's sole win over New Zealand was during the global tournament semi, and the visitors have not been beaten in the last five fixtures at England's home ground.

George's Insight on Playing the All Blacks

“Many sides tend to is sit back in admiration of the All Blacks with their history and all their world-class players,” said former captain George. “It’s easy to do that. I’ve probably done it in the past. We’ve also got to be aware we’ll be playing at Allianz Stadium. We’re very proud to be competing at home. We will do everything we can to win that game.

“It’s vital 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. The important thing for us is is work out where we could have been better in the first half last time. But also, develop a defined strategy which can put them under as much pressure as we possibly can. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves a chance.

“We came under a lot of criticism last year for not emerging on the right side of close contests and not figuring out how to win. Now, we’re doing the exact opposite. By no means have we cracked it. But we’ve placed a strong focus on the latter stages of games and finishing strongly. Scoring however many tries in the last quarter of that game is a sign of a quality team.”

Borthwick's Outlook and Squad Adjustments

Borthwick is again expected to make a number of adjustments to his side, with captain the lock, the flanker, and Ford all expected to be reinstated to the first XV. Tommy Freeman and the newcomer each suffered issues against the Islanders but both have been selected in the group getting ready to take on the All Blacks.

“We aim to challenge ourselves against the best teams and [New Zealand] are one of those best teams,” said the head coach. “Our team is youthful, we’re developing, I think we’re growing rapidly and we’re eager to learn. So I’m sure next week’s will be a valuable test for us.”

The Star's Take on Growth

The number eight, meanwhile, thinks that England’s present ability to break away in the dying minutes of games owes much to their three narrow defeats by the All Blacks the previous year. “It leaves you seasoned, you feel like you’ve been through battles, you’ve developed the experience to build on those setbacks, and they hurt at the time,” said Earl, who was awarded player of the game against Fiji. “But I question among the squad in the changing 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 valuable lessons.”