Time for the Haka
Anthem time here at Eden Park
England coming out here in Auckland. Massive test for Robshaw's men. Minutes from KO
Hello and welcome along to our live coverage of this, the opening game of England's three-test tour of New Zealand. Coming to you from the hotbed of New Zealand rugby that is Eden Park, England face the sternest of challenges today, with quite a depleted squad to choose from courtesy of the recent Aviva Premiership final. Shorn of quality operators courtesy of some shambolic organisation on behalf of the RFU and Premiership Rugby, Stuart Lancaster has been forced into a plethora of changes from the Six Nations with Ben Youngs and Freddie Burns asked to pull the strings at halfback, alongside Manu Tuilagi and Kyle Eastmond in the centre who line up against arguably the finest centre pairing in the game in Nonu and Conrad Smith. Upfront, some English rugby pundits have given their men the edge but for us the task of dominating the All Blacks at Eden Park is one many a side have struggled to complete in recent times. Massive battle in the backrow as Messam, McCaw and Kaino come up against skipper Robshaw, Haskell and Ben Morgan. Massive 80 minutes ahead, stick with us for commentary and scores throughout.
Burns will be the primary target. NZ I guess will start slow but ramp it up in final 10 to fifteen with a flurry
Training secession for the All Blacks, a try fest on the way and NZ to win by 30+ points. Two completely different contrasting teams, easy pickings for the All Blacks.
don't think England will get destroyed. might not be the greatest of tests today but it will be a great series! New Zealand will have to work hard for the yards and England will have to work hard to move the ball into space. Come on England!!
Should be a great entree for the big games next week and 21st. Ireland showed last year that the All Blacks have weaknesses. Great game to blood young guns for main goal next years World Cup . Nigel Owens will keep players honest to Mr Macaw
DJ the one variable is d go forward ball cruden will get so his life should be much simpler. Barrett however has been sublime and deserves a shot in at least one of d 3 tests
Jack this is what sport is all about ... opinions, I dont see anyway england can win this game, their front 3 are substandard at international level and there goes their platform.. anyway almost game time.