Steve Borthwick’s England unknowns will meet Scott Robertson’s untested All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday, with both teams looking to scratch a milestone itch.
New Zealand played entirely to type when one of their number this week admitted knowing next to no specifics on their opponents ahead of the First Test.
This time, it was the turn of wing Sevu Reece to fail to name any of his England counterparts, though Ardie Savea did at least namecheck opposite No8 Ben Earl.
The last time England toured New Zealand, in 2014, Brodie Retallick clutched as far as “Michael Lawes” in the straw stakes of attempting to name a Red Rose star.
Banged to naming rights again for the ever inward-looking All Blacks then, but England should not take that personally this time around. Instead, they must seize this gilt-edged opportunity to make a genuine global name for themselves and this Borthwick tenure.
However flammable the pre-match fuel, England should realise that New Zealand are in a sizeable state of flux and need all the internal focus possible.
New coach Robertson’s maiden Test at the helm also doubles as New Zealand’s first international outing since losing last year’s World Cup Final, 12-11 to South Africa in Paris.
The All Blacks know precious little of England’s expanded attacking re-brand under Borthwick, but there is no doubt the coaching staff will have clued them up entirely on what to expect.
New Zealand naturally need to build a new style and identity of their own, with Robertson a change of coaching pace for the All Blacks. The break-dancing surf dude masterminded an era of Super Rugby dominance with the Crusaders and now has his chance to propel New Zealand back to the top of the tree.
The 49-year-old boasts a much more obvious nurturing side than has been typical of New Zealand’s traditional way. This chimes well with younger, more emotionally articulate players prepared to step onto the front foot about what they want from their coaches.
To characterise him as simply offering an arm around collective shoulders would be to sell the ultra-focused coaching bright light too short. He has shown his ruthless streak immediately, by preferring Damian McKenzie to Beauden Barrett at fly-half, and installing Scott Barrett as captain ahead of Savea.
England have never won a Test series in New Zealand, but arrive at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in buoyant mood and excited by their chances of breaking that duck. All that must be tempered by the second and final Test being staged at Eden Park, the Auckland stronghold where New Zealand have not lost since 1994.
New Zealand’s post-World Cup flux will not extend to mediocrity, despite several inexperienced operators stepping into the breach.
England will fancy their chances of pitting their bullish back-three of Tommy Freeman, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and George Furbank up against Mark Tele’a, Reece and Stephen Perofeta. The tourists will have to edge an almighty tussle up front to create any kind of platform for their strike runners, however. The All Blacks might be shorn of 357 caps up front, with Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane all now retired, but Robertson has still assembled a menacing pack.
Will Stuart will face the latest golden chance to flex his Test match supremacy at tight-head. Now aged 27 and winning his 40th cap, the Bath front-rower is yet to convince his coaches of his enduring quality. Dominating the All Blacks scrum in its own back yard would win his argument.
Marcus Smith could similarly silence the fly-half debate should he pilot England in style.
England have no doubts on their identity: now is the time to show the world.
