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Jamie George has cautioned that the team must avoid being overwhelmed by the All Blacks' legendary status if they hope to achieve their maiden home victory over the visitors in over a decade this weekend.

Team Updates Ahead of Crucial Clash

England's head coach has received a welcome lift with the versatile back returning to fitness and in contention for selection since sustaining an arm fracture on Lions duty, while the full-back and the wing were also named in the 37-man group revealed on the weekend.

Recent Performances Differs with Past Struggles

England host New Zealand after stretching their winning streak to nine matches with a decisive comfortable victory over the Pacific Islanders, romping clear in the closing stages. This strong run stands in stark contrast from 12 months back, when the team endured six defeats in seven outings, all by narrow margins. A trio of these losses came against New Zealand—two on the overseas tour and a 24-22 loss at home after the fly-half failed with late goal attempts.

New Zealand just defeated Scotland on Saturday to keep hopes of a clean sweep intact, and though the Springboks secured their top spot, the captain described the All Blacks as “arguably the best side in the world.”

Of the last 11 meetings, England's sole win over New Zealand came in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, and the visitors remain unbeaten in the last five fixtures at England's home ground.

George's Insight on Playing the Kiwis

“Many sides tend to is sit back in admiration of the All Blacks with their legacy and all their incredible talent,” stated the experienced hooker. “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 Allianz Stadium. We’re very proud to be playing here. We will do all we can to come out on top.

“You have to be at your peak. New Zealand are without doubt the best side in the world right now. They are a unbelievably fantastic team and they seem to step up a gear when they come to Allianz Stadium. The important thing for us to do is work out where we might have improved in the opening period last time. But also, have a defined strategy which can apply as much stress as we possibly can. If we do that, we’ll create a opportunity.

“We faced a lot of criticism 12 months ago for not emerging on the winning end of close contests and not finding a way to win. Now, we’re doing the complete reverse. By no means have we solved everything. But we’ve put a big emphasis on the latter stages of games and finishing strongly. Scoring multiple tries in the final segment of the match is a sign of a quality team.”

Borthwick's View and Team Adjustments

Borthwick is again expected to make a several changes to his side, with captain the lock, Tom Curry, and Ford all expected to return to the first XV. The wing and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso both took knocks against the Islanders but have been selected in the group getting ready to face New Zealand.

“We want to test our mettle against the best teams and [New Zealand] are among best teams,” commented Borthwick. “We’re a young side, we’re evolving, I think we’re growing rapidly and we’re eager to learn. So I’m sure next week’s will be a great assessment for us.”

Earl's Take on Growth

The number eight, meanwhile, believes that the team's current ability to break away in the closing stages of matches is largely due to their three narrow defeats by New Zealand the previous year. “It leaves you battle-hardened, you feel like you’ve been through battles, you’ve developed the scar tissue to learn from those setbacks, and they hurt at the time,” remarked the back-rower, who was named player of the game against the Fijians. “But I wonder to a man in the changing room, if we’d alter our journey now, with the success that we’re now experiencing? I’d be interested to know because I think they’re extremely priceless lessons.”