England vs New Zealand: All Blacks captain Scott Barrett carrying old "scars" into white-hot Quilter Nations clash
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/10/22/image-068d0790-e404-47d7-bb28-adf4a3f67059-68-310-310.png)
Published 14/11/2025 at 20:27 GMT
React to this story
New Zealand captain Scott Barrett says England will enter Saturday's Quilter Nations Series clash at a packed Twickenham as favourites based on previous "scars". Hosts England will be looking to avenge the dramatic loss to the All Blacks a year ago when Mark Tele'a scored a decisive late try. Watch England vs New Zealand live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Saturday.
All Blacks not expecting many surprises in 'heck of a Test match' against England
Video credit: SNTV
New Zealand captain Scott Barrett has acknowledged England go into Saturday's Quilter Nations Series battle at Twickenham as favourites, admitting his side arrive in London somewhat bruised from previous encounters with the Red Rose.
All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland said this week that his squad are "a bit beaten up with bangs and knocks" after a long season, but the majority of the touring party are available for what should be another thrilling contest between two old foes.
Last November, Mark Tele'a emerged off the bench to score a crucial 76th-minute try in a 24-22 win, which extended New Zealand's run of superiority.
England lost in two Tests against the All Blacks the previous July and were defeated once more as George Ford's late drop goal drifted wide after he had hit the post with a potential match-winning penalty.
This weekend's renewal, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, has all the makings of another classic.
When asked about facing the prospect of England in front of a packed Twickenham, Barrett said: "Yeah sure, it's 80-odd thousand. It's always a challenge from the first minute, it is always physical.
"It is always a great contest. Looking back at the past few games we've had against England, it's been within a one-score game.
"If our history is anything to go by, it's going to be a heck of a Test match, and we've certainly got some scars from the English, dating back to the 2019 World Cup. We certainly don't want to go there again."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/11/14/image-fb68b9d9-8afa-4fc8-bd4b-bce5aafb0d1b-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
How should England face up to the Haka? Care gives his advice
Video credit: TNT Sports
The All Blacks were unconvincing in their 25-17 win over Scotland last weekend in a match which saw winger Caleb Clarke suffer a head injury, which rules him out of the game against England.
Barrett, who himself missed the Murrayfield victory with leg lacerations, has set his sights on keeping New Zealand on track to complete a 'Grand Slam' of wins over the home nations for the first time since 2010.
Scott Robertson's side finish off the season-ending tour against struggling Wales in Cardiff - but the focus is fully on the stiffest of tests this weekend.
- Care column: England must beat All Blacks to reach next level
- Itoje reveals what Raducanu was 'taken aback by' on England visit
- Marcus Smith planning shock switch after rugby
"We're expecting a strong English team," Barrett continued. "We're targeting the first 20 minutes and backing their defence and a strong tactical winning game.
"They're a team that's got a lot of confidence and got a bit of momentum at home, so it's going to be a heck of a Test match, and we've prepared accordingly.
"I'm not surprised to be honest [at England being favourites], I think they've given some momentum at home. They've got a youthful group with some experienced heads in key positions. I guess they're a team that's confident. Certainly, they'll be backing themselves."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/11/14/image-4148132b-8a41-41be-b209-35bd0e49a70e-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'Manu was undefendable' - Care reflects on England's win over All Blacks in 2012
Video credit: TNT Sports
England proved too strong in their 38-18 win over Fiji last weekend, backing up their 25-7 humbling of Australia, but Barrett knows these sorts of games can be decided on fine margins.
"I guess Test matches are built on moments and wrestling momentum," he added. "It's about staying in the fight, too. I think they've selected a 6-2 split. So it's certainly going to be physical.
"We always expect that against England. So both teams want to play a little bit too. But then there are going to be pressure moments around the high ball, winning the ball there, where they certainly put a lot of energy into. It's going to be a decent day for our back three.
"I think that we've seen, when they came down to New Zealand last year, their line speed, nothing's changed there. I guess their breakdown pressure, nothing has changed there, and I think if anything, they've probably doubled down on their DNA, their aerial game, and being disruptive.
"I think we're certainly prepared for that, and we're excited about the game."
Watch and stream every game of the Quilter Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement