All Blacks hoping England bring win-streak confidence to Twickenham

All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan has heaped praise on England’s evolution over the past 12 months since the sides last met, recognising the team is “on a bit of a roll” in 2025.

The last loss England incurred was against Ireland in the first round of the Six Nations, the team’s only defeat in the tournament. Since then, they’ve knocked off France, Scotland, Italy, Wales, the USA, Argentina (twice), Australia, and Fiji. England have only conceded more than 20 points twice in that stretch.

The hot form has been noted by the All Blacks coaches, who enter this weekend’s game with some winning form of their own.

Ryan was sure to emphasise both facts when looking ahead to this weekend’s game.

“England are on a bit of a roll, and we’ve got a bit of confidence about us as well. It’s all set up for a heck of a Test match,” he told reporters in Teddington.

“They’ve got strengths all across the park. They’ve got a good forward pack, they’ve obviously got a good aerial game, and any Test match at Twickenham always brings a bit more. It’s a privilege to be a part of.”

The coach narrowed in on England’s kicking game, which is sure to play a significant role in the Test, given England’s traditional tactics, the new laws that emphasise the aerial battle, and the fact that England coach Steve Borthwick has named veteran fly-half George Ford at 10 for the match.

“It’s part of their DNA, it’s what they do. We saw it in the All Blacks XV game against England A. It was the same. Good on them. It’s obviously a strength for them.

“The big one for us is getting back and being in position. The ruck is going to be important.”

While the English have a long history of playing tight, physical rugby, some more expansive play has emerged as new stars start to make their mark in the team.

“I think they’ve evolved immensely, to be fair, and I think we have as well,” Ryan added. “We’ve got some good areas of our game that we’ve got a little bit of confidence in at the moment, which is pleasing. But by no means are we satisfied with where we’re at. So we look forward to the step up in what will be a hell of a contest, I’m sure.”

Asked to expand on England’s evolution, Ryan offered some further insights without revealing the depth of his side’s analysis.

“They’ve changed a little bit in how they like to break teams down. They’ve used the 6/2 split, they’ve found a little bit of identity in that, and that is potentially working for them.”

The idea that England’s squad would be entering this fixture with more confidence than usual was welcomed with competitive warmth by Ryan, who said he “hoped” they would be confident.

“We respect every team that’s in front of us, and I think that Test matches are all won differently,” he said. “I’m sure we’ve got a couple of weaknesses that they’ve seen.

“We’ll prepare as deeply as we can, because we know they will be. They’re incredibly well-coached. Good on them if they’ve got confidence, we have too. That’s what you want from all of your players when they go out in the fiercest arena.”

England will be without Ollie Chessum for the Test, with the Lions star dealing with a foot injury picked up against Fiji last weekend. Alex Coles has come into the starting lineup in Chessum’s place.

“I’m sure it will be a next man up (mentality),” Ryan said of the injury. “I think some of the English boys were quite outstanding on that Lions tour, and Ollie was one of them. As was (Ellis) Genge; he’s incredibly mobile around the park and brings a lot of energy for their pack.”

Ryan continued his praise for the English pack with captain Maro Itoje, who will be looking to take advantage of some inexperience in the All Blacks’ injury-troubled second row stocks.

“He’s just a great competitor. He has been a great competitor for so long for England and for Saracens. He’s a part of the Lions, and he was immense for them, too.

“I actually love the way he competes, on the ball and off the ball. He runs their lineout, and he’s a big part of their strategy, I’d say. It’s a great opportunity for us to come up against him with our younger locks.”