England cannot afford to be in awe of the All Blacks, warns Jamie George

Published: 10 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

As England prepares to face the All Blacks in what promises to be one of the most anticipated autumn rugby fixtures, Saracens hooker Jamie George has issued a clear warning: England cannot afford to be intimidated by New Zealand’s legendary reputation. With the last English victory over the All Blacks at Allianz Stadium dating back to 2012, and New Zealand on a streak of ten consecutive wins against top-tier opponents, the psychological challenge is as significant as the physical one.

Speaking ahead of the match, George emphasized the need for England to approach the game with confidence and composure. “A lot of teams sit back in awe of the All Blacks and their incredible history and their incredible players,” he said. “We must not let that happen to us. Every player on that field has the ability to compete. Respect, yes—but fear, no.”

England head coach Steve Borthwick has been meticulously planning his squad and strategy for this key encounter. The team comes off a convincing 38-18 win against Fiji, a performance that not only boosted morale but also provided an opportunity to test combinations and fine-tune tactics. Borthwick, aware of the enormity of facing a side like New Zealand, has been balancing the need for structured preparation with the requirement for adaptability during the match.

Several players are on the cusp of returning from injury, which adds an extra dimension to England’s options. Elliot Daly, who suffered a fractured forearm during the British and Irish Lions tour, has completed his recovery and is now available for selection. Meanwhile, Freddie Steward and Tom Roebuck are in contention after regaining fitness from hand and ankle injuries, respectively. The inclusion of these experienced campaigners could provide the stability and creativity England needs to challenge the All Blacks’ dominance.

George, one of the team’s senior leaders, stressed the importance of mental readiness. “We can’t go into this game thinking about New Zealand’s legacy or their past victories. We have to focus on ourselves, our systems, and our ability to execute. If we play to our strengths and maintain our composure, we can compete on equal terms.”

The All Blacks, renowned for their physicality, precision, and tactical intelligence, are expected to field a formidable lineup. England, however, will seek to leverage home advantage, crowd support, and recent form to disrupt New Zealand’s rhythm. Analysts predict a highly competitive clash, with England’s set-piece organization, defensive structure, and backline creativity being key factors in determining the outcome.

Beyond the technical and tactical aspects, the psychological element looms large. England’s players must resist being overwhelmed by the aura surrounding New Zealand, a team often regarded as the benchmark for rugby excellence. George’s call for composure and confidence is therefore as critical as any training session or tactical briefing.

Fans will be keenly observing the team announcements on Thursday, when Borthwick is expected to reveal his starting XV and reserves. Every selection decision will be scrutinized, with particular attention on the balance between seasoned internationals and younger talents capable of injecting pace and unpredictability into the game.

As the match approaches, the message from England’s leadership is clear: respect your opponent, but never be intimidated by them. For George and his teammates, this is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative, challenge a formidable rival, and potentially secure a historic victory against the All Blacks on home soil.

The upcoming fixture is not just about points on the board; it represents a test of character, mental fortitude, and the ability to perform under pressure. For England, success will require a blend of skill, strategy, and self-belief, qualities that George insists must define the team’s approach from kickoff to the final whistle.

With anticipation mounting among players, coaches, and supporters alike, the England-All Blacks clash is shaping up to be a defining moment of the autumn rugby calendar, one that could set the tone for the remainder of the international season.