Key Highlights
- All Blacks captain Scott Barrett acknowledges “scars” from their 2019 loss to England in the Rugby World Cup semi-final.
- The All Blacks have not beaten England at Twickenham since December 1, 2012, with England winning the most important meeting between the sides on October 26, 2019.
- England is looking to win a 10th consecutive Test match against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday (3:10pm).
- New Zealand have already defeated Ireland and Scotland this month but are preparing for the challenge of facing England.
Background and Context
The anticipation is palpable as the All Blacks prepare to face their arch-rivals, England, in a Test match at Twickenham. The encounter on Saturday (15 November 2025) marks yet another chapter in one of rugby’s most storied rivalries. This clash not only carries significant historical weight but also sets the stage for what promises to be an intense and highly anticipated contest.
The Historical Context
England has not managed to defeat New Zealand at Twickenham since December 1, 2012, a span of over thirteen years. However, in October 2019, England stunned the world by defeating the All Blacks, Rugby World Cup favourites, with a 19-7 victory that crushed New Zealand’s hopes of a World Cup three-peat. This performance is often cited as one of the greatest English rugby victories and has left an indelible mark on both teams.
Pre-Match Analysis
New Zealand captain Scott Barrett, speaking to Sky Sports, reflects on the 2019 loss with a sense of lingering pain. “If our history’s anything to go by, it’s going be a heck of a Test match and we’ve certainly got some scars from the English going back to the 2019 World Cup,” Barrett said. The All Blacks are determined not to let England repeat their past success.
Despite New Zealand’s dominance in recent encounters, with four wins out of five visits since 2012 and one draw, the 2019 semi-final remains a defining moment for both teams. “Every All Black wants to win a World Cup and to have that sort of dream or the rug pulled out from underneath you by England, certainly leaves a scar,” Barrett continued.
Strategy and Preparation
New Zealand is focused on executing their game plan meticulously against England. “What’s required right there in the end is embracing it, smiling at it,” Barrett added, referring to the Twickenham crowd. The All Blacks are preparing to use the noise as a fuel rather than a distraction. England, meanwhile, have been on an impressive run, winning nine consecutive Tests and looking to silence their hosts.
Looking Forward
The match at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, is more than just another Test; it’s a clash between two nations with deep-rooted rugby traditions. The 80,000-strong crowd will play a crucial role in the atmosphere, and both teams are aware of its potential impact.
With England looking to add to their winning streak against New Zealand and New Zealand aiming to silence the Twickenham crowd, this Test match promises to be an unforgettable encounter. Rugby enthusiasts can expect a thrilling spectacle that will undoubtedly go down in history.
