"Scars from the English" - All Blacks captain Scott Barrett will not forget 2019 RWC defeat ahead of Autumn clash

Riding a nine-game winning streak including consecutive victories over Australia and Fiji, England appear to be building towards this showdown with the All Blacks. The last time England defeated New Zealand was the unforgettable 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final triumph, as Eddie Jones' former side recorded a 19-7 triumph, that has since been heralded as one of England's greatest of the professional era.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has denied targeting specific fixtures this autumn, yet excitement around this clash is undeniable. All Blacks Captain Scott Barrett returns to the squad after a brief injury layoff. Having missed the Scotland test, head coach Scott Robertson confirmed he is now back “training fully.”

Barrett’s presence adds crucial physicality, especially as England look to use their pack as a platform for attack. Ahead of the clash at Twickenham, Barrett reflected on what it will take for this potentially overlooked All Blacks side to beat England.

New Zealand have not lost at Twickenham since 2012, a record Barrett is determined to protect. Yet England’s form has many backing them to end that run. Barrett reflected on the significance of the fixture, with memories of the 2019 World Cup semi-final still fresh:

“It’s always a great contest. You look back at the few games we’ve had against England they’ve often been within a one-score game. If history is anything to go by it’s going to be a heck of a test match, and there are scars from the English going back to the 2019 World Cup.”

Barrett acknowledged the challenge awaiting them at Twickenham:

“We are expecting a strong English team targeting the first 20 minutes and backing their defence with strong tactical kicking. It’s a team that’s got a lot of confidence and momentum at home.”

New Zealand led Scotland by 17 points before the hosts fought back in the second half at Murrayfield. Barrett admitted lapses nearly cost them:

“You can’t knock off. We didn’t take the kick-off and then Scotland capitalised. You’ve got to be on it for 80 minutes, and at times last week we weren’t quite there.”

England’s kicking game has been a weapon all autumn, highlighted by Ben Earl’s try against Australia. With Tom Roebuck, Freddie Steward and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in the back three, Barrett expects more of the same:

“They’ve certainly got some great kickers with Alex Mitchell and George Ford, and guys who can chase it. Feyi-Waboso can probably jump over me, and it’s going to be a big part of the game tomorrow.”

Two young locks impressed against Scotland, with Fabien Holland and Josh Lord staking claims for selection. Barrett welcomed the competition while highlighting Fabien Holland’s impact as he re-enters the starting lineup this weekend:

“It’s great that the boys have had a crack the last couple of weeks and it certainly puts a bit of pressure on. You have to front up every week. Fabien’s played every game this year, and he’s like a labrador when you take him down to the pond. He’s got so much energy, with his clarity still at 100%. It’s refreshing to have those guys in the squad.”

Barrett’s words underline both respect for England’s form and determination to uphold New Zealand’s Twickenham record. With memories of 2019 still lingering, the All Blacks must not be underestimated as they chase a clean sweep of the home nations.