The two areas – and two match-ups – that will decide New Zealand v England

Steve Borthwick’s England team will find out how far they have developed in their quest to find a more comprehensive style of play when they face New Zealand in the first of a two-Test series this weekend. Their psyche going into this task is as vital, in terms of preparation, as anything they do on the training field.

It is probably right to say that playing the All Blacks is not the mythical and daunting task it was, not least because the availability of game footage means teams can prepare in detail for their opponents, even if they have had irregular contact with them on the pitch. Nonetheless, New Zealand does represent a significant challenge as a tour because of any rugby destination, the whole country is aware of the Test series and there is no escape from scrutiny. Some players relish this; others wilt under its pressure.

As a player you must embrace this and see it as an opportunity, eschewing any thoughts of inferiority. The All Blacks, just like any other team, do make mistakes under pressure, and the first Test sees England with the advantage of having already played a warm-up Test against Japan. England will also face a changed New Zealand team, with a significant number of Test caps lost through the absence of several very experienced, former Kiwi regulars. The starting VX chosen by Scott Robertson is eminently capable, but the loss of experience could count when it comes to the contribution of the All Black bench during the later stages of the match.

Before focusing on the players, there are two things that underpin England’s performance and they both have to be right if they are not to undermine that effort.

The first point is an overall observation on how England should approach the match in general. I cannot recall many games where New Zealand have been shut out by the opposition because of sheer physical effort and a restricted unambitious game plan. Only South Africa have come close to achieving this sort of dominance and England do not have the capacity to win in this manner. They have to play positively, which means taking calculated risks and ensuring, for example, that counterattacking opportunities are recognised and taken when they arise. When England have a period of ascendancy, they must capitalise and put points on the board because the Kiwis have the ability to shift quickly through the gears when they are on top.

Secondly, England cannot afford ill-discipline. This does not just extend to not making dangerous tackles and breakdown clearances, it also encompasses discipline in staying onside when under pressure, rolling away in the tackle and making genuine jackaling attempts at rucks. It should not be necessary, but unfortunately it is so, to observe that going down to 14 men, at any point during the game, will probably mean England will not win what should be a closer Test match than some believe.

There are two distinct unit battles that will go a long way to deciding the respective team’s fortunes – the front row and the back three.

Borthwick has chosen to start one of his strongest scrummaging props, Joe Marler and bench the other, Dan Cole. This calculated gamble means Will Stuart, who starts at tighthead and Fin Baxter, the bench loosehead, have to hold their own. New Zealand have an experienced starting front row of Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Tyrel Lomax. They have mobility and power when it comes to their bench front rowers, with players like Ofa Tu’ungafasi. This area of the Kiwi game has had little mention, but it is one where they have made significant progress in recent years. England will not win if they cede any significant advantage to the Kiwis in this crucial area.

The second unit battle concerns the respective back three players. George Furbank, Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso have started to show some form, particularly in their support runs and willingness to contribute to England’s ball-carrying.

Freeman has also featured as attacking force, fielding cross-field kicks. The aerial battle, in general, will be highly influential. For New Zealand, Robertson starts Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece and Mark Tele’a but this has not met with universal acclaim. Some commentators wanted Caleb Clarke and Emoni Narawa on the wings to counter England’s tactical kicking game, and England might be able to edge this contest.

There will be important contests between two balanced and capable back rows where Chandler Cunningham-South, in particular, has the job of stopping Ardie Savea from providing his team with regular front-foot ball. As prefaced above, the back row battle will be directly influenced by the scrum and lineout and here England must match New Zealand to allow Marcus Smith the time and room to dictate play.