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England's skipper has warned that Steve Borthwick's side must avoid being overwhelmed by the All Blacks' legendary status if they aim to achieve their first home triumph over the Kiwis in over a decade this weekend.

Team Updates Before Pivotal Fixture

England's head coach has received a welcome lift with Elliot Daly returning to fitness and available for his first appearance since sustaining an injury on Lions tour, while the full-back and Tom Roebuck featured in the 37-man squad announced on Sunday night.

Current Form Contrasts with Previous Woes

The home side will welcome New Zealand after stretching their unbeaten run to nine matches with a decisive comfortable win over the Pacific Islanders, again pulling away in the closing stages. This strong run marks a dramatic shift from a year ago, when England endured six defeats in seven matches, each by fine margins. A trio of these defeats came against the Kiwis—during the overseas tour and a 24-22 loss at Twickenham after the fly-half missed two late kicks.

New Zealand narrowly edged out the Scots on the weekend to keep aspirations of a clean sweep intact, and while the Springboks cemented their number one ranking, the captain has hailed the All Blacks as “perhaps the top team in the world.”

Of the last 11 meetings, England's only victory over the All Blacks came in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, and the visitors have not been beaten in the recent clashes at England's home ground.

George's Perspective on Facing the All Blacks

“Many sides tend to is stand in awe of New Zealand with their history and all their world-class talent,” stated former captain George. “It’s easy to do that. I’ve probably done it before. We’ve also got to be aware we’ll be back here at this venue. It’s an honour to be competing at home. We will do all we can to come out on top.

“It’s vital to be at your peak. The All Blacks are arguably the best side in the world at the minute. They’re an exceptionally skilled squad and they seem to raise a gear when they visit Allianz Stadium. Our focus for us is is work out where we might have improved in the first half last time. But also, have a clear strategy which can apply as much stress as we possibly can. By doing so, we’ll create a chance.

“We came under a lot of criticism 12 months ago for not coming out on the winning end of close contests and not figuring out how to win. Currently, we’re doing the exact opposite. By no means have we solved everything. But we’ve placed a big emphasis on the final phases of games and closing games out. Notching multiple tries in the final segment of the match is a mark of a good team.”

Borthwick's View and Squad Adjustments

Borthwick is likely to make a several changes to his lineup, with captain Maro Itoje, Tom Curry, and the fly-half all expected to be reinstated to the first XV. The wing and the newcomer each took knocks against Fiji but have been selected in the squad preparing to face the All Blacks.

“We aim to challenge ourselves against the top sides and [New Zealand] are among elite squads,” commented Borthwick. “Our team is youthful, we’re developing, I think we’re improving quickly and we’re eager to learn. So I’m sure next week’s going to be a great assessment for us.”

Earl's Reflection on Growth

Ben Earl, meanwhile, thinks that the team's current capacity to break away in the closing stages of games owes much to their three narrow defeats by New Zealand the previous year. “It leaves you seasoned, you feel like you’ve got the wounds, you’ve got the scar tissue to build on those losses, and they stung at the time,” remarked the back-rower, who was named man of the match against Fiji. “But I wonder among the squad in the changing room, would we have changed our journey now, with the joy that we’re now enjoying? I’d be interested to know because I think they’re very, very valuable lessons.”