England will attack New Zealand in search of memorable away win, says George

By Sports Desk July 04, 2024

England intend to play on the front foot as they go in search of their first win in New Zealand since 2003 on Saturday, says captain Jamie George.

Steve Borthwick's team will face New Zealand at Forsyth Barr Stadium in the first of two Tests, on their first tour of the country since 2014, when they lost all three games.

England have not won on the road against the All Blacks since a 15-13 triumph in Wellington 21 years ago, though they did produce a memorable comeback to draw 25-25 when the teams last met at Twickenham in 2022.

George, however, is certain England will stand up to the challenge, telling reporters: "We've come to New Zealand to play our way and take New Zealand on.

"We can't sit back and wait because if we do that we'll be behind our poles 20 points down trying to create some sort of comeback, like we did in 2022. 

"We've come to New Zealand to win. The challenge we've laid down is that we play at our physicality and our intensity. 

"We'll know whether we're there or not within the first few minutes after kick-off. Walk towards it, embrace it, love it. What an amazing opportunity we have got here."

New Zealand have not played since losing the World Cup final to South Africa last October, with Sam Cane stepping down as captain and the likes of Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith and Richie Mo'unga no longer available.

Former England scrum-half Danny Care believes they could be there for the taking, telling BBC Sport: "I look at this New Zealand squad and there are so many unknowns.

"They don't have the players any more that you fear. They have players you massively respect, but as a team, do you go there with fear? I don't think New Zealand have that at the moment.

"This is a massive opportunity for England to go down there and shock the New Zealand world."

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