Autumn Nations Series Preview:

England vs. New Zealand

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Date: Saturday, 2 November
Kick-off: 15:10 GMT

Coverage: Tune in to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds, or follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

After enduring a series of close defeats, England’s rugby team is determined to turn the tide as they prepare to face New Zealand in their Autumn Nations Series opener. England’s number eight, Ben Earl, expressed the team’s resolve to finally “get over the line” against the world’s top sides after experiencing “some heartache” in recent matches.

Under head coach Steve Borthwick, England narrowly lost two Tests to New Zealand this past summer, despite leading for significant stretches in both. Their Six Nations campaign ended similarly, with a slim two-point loss to France. Earl sees this Saturday’s clash as a golden opportunity to show their progress and secure a long-awaited victory in a tight match.

“We’ve been growing as a team, and it was very close against New Zealand over the summer,” Earl told BBC Sport. “But close isn’t enough in Test matches. We’ve learned crucial lessons on finishing strong, maintaining discipline in the final minutes, and staying fully engaged against a team like the All Blacks.”

Earl added that the recent heartache has strengthened their resolve. “We’ve looked at each other in training these last few weeks, and the time feels right. We’re no longer an inexperienced group and have had consistent selection for 18 months. It’s time to come out on top in these close games.”

Since switching to the number eight position before last year’s World Cup, Earl, 26, has become one of England’s key players, delivering standout performances. His efforts have not gone unnoticed by New Zealand’s own number eight, Ardie Savea, the reigning World Player of the Year, who recently praised Earl as being “on fire.”

Earl was humbled by Savea’s words, saying, “We discussed our respective games, and I really admire Ardie’s humility. While I don’t think I’m quite at his level yet, it’s something I strive towards.”

Source : BBC