'Everything goes up 10%' - England stars Ellis Genge, Jamie George & Ollie Chessum look ahead to New Zealand clash in Quilter Nations Series
Published 09/11/2025 at 11:40 GMT
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England v New Zealand. Next Saturday brings us an Allianz Stadium 'clasico' as the two heavyweights meet again, one year on after England's agonising two-point loss. England, in contrast to 12 months ago, are on a nine-game winning run after beating Fiji, while The All Blacks have edged past both Ireland and Scotland so far this autumn. A group of England players looked ahead to this showdown.
Highlights: England recover to down flamboyant Fijians in cracker
Video credit: TNT Sports
England's stars expect a "massive contest" and a "battle of attrition" as they prepare to take on New Zealand next weekend at Allianz Stadium.
Steve Borthwick's men eventually got past Fiji on Saturday evening, and after also beating Australia in their Quilter Nations Series opener, a win over The All Blacks would send them to a 10th win in a row, and close to an autumn clean sweep.
The All Blacks also come into the clash - which will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - unbeaten this autumn, taking two from two after victories over Ireland and Scotland.
England suffered a heartbreaking two-point loss to New Zealand last year on home turf, with George Ford's late missed penalty proving crucial, and will be out for revenge this time around.
'A battle of attrition'
In Maro Itoje's absence, Ellis Genge captained England to their victory over Fiji.
Speaking in his press conference alongside Borthwick after the game, Genge looked ahead to next Saturday's showdown.
"It gets very tough next week against New Zealand who are one of the best sides in the world," he said. "I can't wait, I love playing against the best in the world.
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"It will be a battle of attrition, as years have gone by they've been known for chucking the ball about, but they've got some big, physical lumps in there now as well, so we'll relish that."
Reflecting on England's narrow defeats to New Zealand last year - which included two tight losses to them on their summer tour - Genge was asked how he felt England's autumn so far had prepared them for their next test.
"I think we were well-equipped then [last year], to be honest," he said. "They were very narrow defeats, and sometimes games come down to a split-decision or the toss of a coin.
"All I know is that New Zealand are at their best at the moment and I can't wait to play against them next week."
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No Filter Rewind: England denied by New Zealand in 2024 Autumn Nations Series classic
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Everything goes up 5/10%
Ollie Chessum has starred in England's pack over the last year, and he said he and his team-mates will be "chomping at the bit" to take on their old foes.
"It's so exciting, they've been consistently one of the best teams in the world in the last 20/30 years, it's always a massive contest when they come down here," Chessum told TNT Sports.
"Last year we came very close to being on the right side of the result, but they came home with the win.
"When the All Blacks are in town, everything just goes up that extra 5, 10%. They're an incredibly talented side, you saw what they did to Ireland last week.
"I speak on behalf of the squad when I say that everyone will be chomping at the bit for this one."
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'Absolute wheels' from Arundell as winger outpaces Fiji defence to secure England win
Video credit: TNT Sports
England need to get 'everything' right
Meanwhile, Jamie George was asked what England need to get right to beat The All Blacks.
"Everything," George said, also speaking to TNT Sports.
"They're as complete a team as we'll come up against, we're fully aware of that and we're fully aware of their strengths, how talented they are individually.
"We know we're going to have to be right at our best if we want to be competitive with those guys."
Watch and stream every game of the Quilter Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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