England desperate to beat All Blacks – Steward

Quilter Nations Series: England vs New Zealand

Location: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham Date: Saturday 15 November Kick-off: 15:10 GMT

Broadcast: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website and application

Freddie Steward states that England aims to break New Zealand’s dominance and achieve a home victory over the All Blacks for the first time in 13 years this Saturday.

Steward, who will be positioned at 15, has faced New Zealand twice during his 39 caps, participating in the 25-25 equal match at Twickenham in 2022 and a 24-17 loss at Eden Park in 2024.

England’s last triumph over New Zealand was in Yokohama during the 2019 World Cup semi-final, but they have not triumphed at Allianz Stadium since a notable 38-21 victory in 2012.

«People often say it’s simply another week, but it truly isn’t,» Steward shared with the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly.

«You can feel that there’s an extra energy, a level of excitement, and a hint of urgency.

«The All Blacks are legendary? With the haka and all that involved, it’s always an outstanding match.

«I recall when we drew that match against New Zealand. When the third try was scored late on, it created one of the loudest atmospheres I have ever experienced in the stadium. It was remarkable, so the team is excited for this weekend.»

Steward re-joins the lineup following a challenging match during the 25-7 win against Australia on 1 November.

The 24-year-old, uncharacteristically dropped several high balls early on before being compelled to leave towards the end due to a dislocated finger.

«The bone was protruding from the top – out (of) the skin,» Steward explained.

«I attempted to reposition it. The physiotherapists made tries, but they couldn’t reset it, so I had to head down the tunnel.

«I informed the teammates that I had hurt my pinky, and they all just chuckled, but it’s a significant injury.

«Australia had initiated a box kick, I was beneath it, and I thought ‘How am I going to manage? I’ll have to catch it one-handed.’

«But the kick went directly out, and I’ve never felt so relieved to witness a ball go out in my lifetime.»

Steward mentioned that last year’s amendments to the rules allowing chasers an unobstructed path into the aerial contest have significantly increased the difficulty of catching such kicks.

«Two weeks prior against Australia, regardless of the circumstances, I could not secure a high ball for the first half,» he stated.

«I was becoming increasingly frustrated since that forms the base of my playing style.

«You have to acknowledge the Aussie players – Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is outstanding in the air and Harry Potter approached me aggressively.

«It has indeed become far more challenging. I’ve been attempting to catch over my head as much as possible. That’s something I’ve been focusing on a lot at Leicester this season, as it provides you with additional height, an extra meter.

«It has complicated my role, but I believe the rule change is beneficial.

«Fans enjoy seeing airborne collisions and real contests.»

The England team welcomed British number one tennis player Emma Raducanu on Tuesday.

The 2021 US Open champion spoke to the athletes regarding her preparations for high-stakes matches and managing pressure, as well as observing training and participating in a lineout drill.

Former England head coach Eddie Jones expressed regret to Raducanu in 2021 after referencing her as a distraction from sports affecting young talents in a comment about an up-and-coming Marcus Smith.

Raducanu did not accept the invitation in Jones’ letter to attend an England match that autumn.

Borthwick, Jones’ successor, stated he was «thankful» and «honored» to gain insights from the experiences of the 22-year-old Raducanu.

«Having elite athletes like Emma Raducanu visit to share her experiences related to preparation for sports and competing on the international stage at the highest level is always an invaluable learning opportunity,» he stated.

«The players appreciated listening as she discussed the differences with individual preparation and the necessity to ensure they are physically correct in their training.»