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I have not been this excited about an upcoming Test match in New Zealand since the 2005 British and Irish Lions series on these very shores.
This week has simply dragged by as I have waited in anticipation for the second Test against England. At last, with the naming of both teams to play, I have finally had something to chew on.
The English have named what looks a very strong squad with a number of their first choice players joining the playing group.
In the starting team, the forwards have seen minimal changes to the starting pack with Tom Wood coming in for James Haskell at blindside who drops out of the match day twenty three altogether.
The backline however sees four changes to the starting team from last weekend with only Mike Brown, Marland Yarde and Manu Tuilagi retaining their places although in Tuilagi’s case a positional change.
Halfback sees the return of Danny Care from injury, Owen Farrell to first five with the impressive Freddy Burns to the bench, Billy Twelvetrees and Luther Burrell are a new look midfield combination on tour. Manu Tuilagi is shunted out one place to the right wing with last week’s starters Eastmond and May dropping out of the match day squad altogether.
It is hard not to feel for a number of these players who have lost their starting spots from last weekend, especially Freddie Burns who I thought cut a very impressive figure at first five.
This gives us an indication of the growing depth and competition within this English team, which will only serve them well into the future.
Of real concern for All Blacks supporters is the depth and quality England have sitting on their bench, with four players normally considered starters ready to be introduced to the fray come Saturday night. Solid performers from the first Test are also ready and waiting to have another crack at New Zealand if afforded the opportunity.
Courtney Lawes and Dylan Hartley will add some real steel to the tight five when called upon, Billy Vunipola offers considerable impact from the bench and Chris Ashton can provide x-factor to the back division if required.
The inform Ben Youngs and Freddie Burns provide further quality options for Lancaster and we are likely to get our first look in New Zealand of Kieran Brookes with Matt Mullan completing the English bench.
This is a very strong and exciting English team and with a back three that has the perfect balance and mix of speed, power and skill, I envisage England to play a ball in hand game and come hard at New Zealand.
Of particular interest will be how Tuilagi is used. The more touches he has will be of real value to England and I expect he will be given a roving commission to throw himself at the All Black defence as often as possible.
Perhaps of slight concern is the changes made to the backline from halfback through to centre and English fans will certainly be hoping they click into gear quickly and smoothly along with the fresh faces on the bench.
The All Blacks in stark contrast have made minimal changes to their matchday 23, although they have made very important one with the return of Julian Savea to the left wing.
With Israel Dagg unable to overcome a niggling injury, Ben Smith moves back to his preferred position of fullback and Cory Jane move over to the right wing, which is also his preferred position.
Although many have suggested a few changes to the starting line-up this week I am quite pleased that these players have been afforded a second opportunity after performing so well for New Zealand over the last two seasons. I imagine they will all be very hungry to put in a vastly improved performance from last week as Steve Hansen has indicated in no uncertain terms that players need to perform this weekend.
I expect New Zealand to dramatically lift their intensity at the breakdown this week where they were found wanting at times. They must improve their handling which was particularly poor for this team last Saturday night while continuing on with the solid display from the set piece in the first Test.
I felt like there was a collective sigh of relief around the country once it was announced Savea would be fit to play. His powerful runs and expert finishing was sorely missed last weekend and with Nonu in the same backline, the English defence will be more acutely tested in Dunedin, even more so if the All Blacks can get their offloads away in contact.
This coming Saturday has all the promise of a classic with two teams full of confidence and everything to play for. The English are ready to announce to the rugby world they are the real deal and the All Blacks will be wanting to prove that this successful era is not ready to come to an end just yet.
Both teams are sure to have improved from last week’s scrappy but intense first Test. Playing under the roof at Forsyth Barr we are guaranteed perfect conditions for this mouth-watering clash.
Savea clashing with Tuilagi is worth the price of admission alone and I am struggling to contain my excitement and it is fair to say my work has suffered this week as a result.
I am picking the All Blacks to win this match in a tense thriller but I am incredibly nervous and excited about what we have in store on Saturday night. Geez I love rugby! Bring it on!
Is it time for kick-off yet?
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