International: England v New Zealand
Venue: Twickenham Date: Saturday 21 November Kick-off: 1430 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 live, Sky Sports 2, highlights on BBC Three at 1900 and BBC Two at 1130 on Sunday. Text commentary on BBC Sport website
**England face the daunting task of taking on New Zealand as they attempt to get their uninspiring autumn campaign back on track on Saturday.**Martin Johnson’s side have been heavily criticised for their displays this autumn, despite beating Argentina 16-9.
Ayoola Erinle, Simon Shaw and Joe Worsley have come into the side in a bid to boost England’s physicality.
The Kiwis are not in the best of form, but are strong favourites to add to the pressure on an injury-hit England.
New Zealand - who beat Italy 20-6 in Milan last week - have lost four Tests this year but are unbeaten in their last seven games against England.
The All Blacks look to be in a transitionary phase with two years until they host the next World Cup, with unfamiliar names Zac Guildford, prop Owen Franks and lock Tom Donnelly all starting alongside established stars like Dan Carter and Richie McCaw at Twickenham.
But New Zealand, who have replaced South Africa at the top of the world rankings, will still be a formidable challenge for an England team under pressure to produce.
Defeat by Australia was followed by a dismal display against Argentina, which saw them booed off at half-time by the Twickenham crowd.
And with just one try in the two games and a lack of chances created, the approach and suitability of Johnson’s coaching team have been called into question.
Former England star Josh Lewsey, a former England team-mate of Johnson who was part of the national set-up until 2008, openly questioned the credentials of defence coach Mike Ford, attack coach Brian Smith and forwards coach John Wells.
Johnson’s selections for the match have prompted criticism that England are aiming for damage limitation, with powerful Biarritz centre Erinle replacing the more creative Shane Geraghty in midfield.
The physical approach of Erinle, who freely admits to a no-frills playing style, will be complemented by the return of powerhouse lock Shaw and combative flanker Worsley in place of Louis Deacon and Tom Croft respectively.
“I am no Shane Geraghty, there won’t be any razzle-dazzle or throwing miss-passes. The coaches have picked me for my size and strength and my more abrasive game,” said Erinle.
"New Zealand are renowned for their ferocity at the breakdown both in attack and defence but we have been working on that because we need to be watertight in that area.
"You have to get into them, don’t take any backward steps and don’t be afraid of the fact they are New Zealand.
“It is a baptism of fire but I will rise to the challenge.”
Erinle’s career has been revitalised by a move from Leicester to France after spending part of last season on loan at Nottingham.
“If I am brutally honest, my prospects of playing for England were a dream that had been and gone,” he said.
"When I went to Biarritz I just thought: ‘At least I will be playing rugby and enjoying myself’.
"Before that I was in a pretty dark place. I was questioning what the point was, but thank God I am in this position now.
“You always love coming up against guys who you admire and this weekend is exactly that”
New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter on facing Jonny Wilkinson
“All you ever want as a professional sportsman is to represent your country on the highest playing field.”
Another England player who has clearly benefitted from a move to France is Toulon fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, who has been identified by opposite number Carter as England’s danger man.
The contest between the two leading number 10s of the past decade - only the third time they have faced each other on the international stage - is one Carter is relishing.
“You always love coming up against guys who you admire and this weekend is exactly that,” said Carter.
"Obviously he has had a pretty frustrating couple of years but I think he has bounced back extremely well from the challenges he has had.
"He’s such a dedicated and motivated person, with an extremely big work ethic. When you live your life like that, you are going to get rewards and reach your goals.
“He still poses a real threat to us. He is a player we have identified who can really steer and direct the English team around. We need to cut down his time and space.”
Carter should be fresh for Saturday’s clash, having missed New Zealand’s over Italy last weekend while serving a suspension for a high tackle on Wales scrum-half Martin Roberts during the All Blacks’ 19-12 win in Cardiff.
He hopes this should put him in good stead as he looks to claim the two points he needs to become his country’s highest points-scorer in Test rugby in what will be his 65th cap.
“That was the first time I have been banned and there wasn’t much I could do about it,” said Carter.
“I just wanted to get back into the team and if anything it makes you more motivated to go out and play on Saturday after a weekend off.”
The match will be followed - for the first time ever - by England’s women’s team taking on their New Zealand counterparts.
It is the first time England’s women, who are the current Six Nations champions, have played at Twickenham.
**England: **Cueto; Banahan, Hipkiss, Erinle, Monye; Wilkinson, Hodgson; Payne, Hartley, Bell, Shaw, Borthwick (capt), Worsley, Moody, Haskell.
Replacements: Thompson, Wilson, Deacon, Croft, Care, Geraghty, Tait.
New Zealand: Muliaina; Guildford, C Smith, Nonu, Sivivatu; Carter, Cowan; Woodcock, Hore, Franks; Thorn, Donnelly, Thomson, McCaw (capt), Read.
Replacements: Flynn/De Malmanche, Afoa, Boric, Kaino, Ellis, Donald, Ellison.