Your Match Preview: England v New Zealand

November 2024. Two top international teams. Twickenham Stadium. The Autumn Nations Series. Want a clue as to which team we’re previewing?
The Haka.

New Zealand are of course coming to the home of England Rugby for the 2024 edition of the ever highly anticipated Autumn Nations Series. This will be the opening match of the tournament, and it’s destined to get your heart racing - what a way to begin the series!

The two nations have a long and rivalrous history, which breeds incredible play, atmosphere, and intensity. Let’s take a look at how the All-Blacks might look in November and unpack some of the past meetings of England and New Zealand.

History of The All Blacks

The team’s first match took place in New South Wales in 1884 with their first international Test in 1903 against Australia. They became known as the ‘All Blacks’ when their kit changed to – you guessed it – all black, in 1905 for their tour. The team are known for their pre-match Haka - a traditional Māori dance – used to intimidate the opposition and exert their dominance, psyching out the team.

 

New Zealand: how does the team shape up?

The All Blacks have a winning percentage of 76.77% over 637 Tests between 1903 and 2023, making them the most successful international men’s rugby team in history.
With three Rugby World Cups to their name (1987, 2011, 2015), the team are always a standout side to watch and have some of the best players on the planet. South Africa and New Zealand are the only nations to have won so many titles.

At the time of writing, New Zealand men are currently World No.3, just under South Africa who claim the top spot and Ireland in second. They ended the 2023 season with nine wins, three losses and no draws, which also saw the end of the era for their Head Coach Ian Foster.

Recent changes for the New Zealand rugby team

So clearly they're an astonishing team! However, 2024 will be an interesting year for the All-Blacks as their team goes through lots of change.

For starters Scott Robertson, their head coach, is new to the team and undertook this role after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Robertson stands as the most successful Super Rugby coach, winning seven finals for the Crusaders. Will Robertson’s winning streak persist at in the Autumn Nations Series?

In terms of the team itself, there are many integral members who will not be returning in 2024. Since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, multiple players have moved to clubs oversees, meaning they cannot be a part of the All-Blacks 2024 squad. Will this be detrimental to the team, or will this allow for a host of new talent to be unveiled?

 

Standout players to watch out for

Aaron Smith is one of the most prominent halfbacks in world rugby, and a face you will most probably recognise if you’re a rugby fan. Known for his powerful passing and strong defence, Smith is a key force and one to keep an eye on, making even more of a name for himself after the most recent Rugby World Cup.

Ardie Savea was named World Rugby Player of the Year after his performance in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Athleticism, speed and his ability to stay alive in the tackle are some of his best-known styles of play in his loose forward position.

Richie Mo’unga is the All Black’s first five-eighth and previously played for the UK Barbarians before joining the New Zealand national side as No.10. He has been coined as transformational for their team. As a bold and decisive game-manager, Mo’unga is one England need to watch out for.

Past meetings

At the 2023 World Cup, England and New Zealand did not play against one another. However, with England coming in 3rd place, and New Zealand in 2nd place, there is no doubt that the teams will be on top form in 2024 when they meet each other again. England will be playing the All Blacks in New Zealand this July before their clash at Twickenham in November 2024.

 

2022 Autumn Nations Series

Before the 2022 edition of the Autumn Nations Series, the two teams hadn’t played each other since the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, where the All Blacks stole the win over England 19-7 in the semi-final. In 2022, Twickenham hosted one exciting fixture! Ending in a 25-25 draw - with only 10 minutes left of play - England were losing 6-25. However, in those last 10 minutes, they managed to gain 19 points. Such exhilarating play is common when these two nations meet, so you do not want to miss this when they return to Twickenham in November!

 

2019 World Cup

Hosted in Japan, the England v New Zealand fixture resulted in an unexpected result. England stole the win 19-7, breaking the All-Blacks winning streak. Up until this match, New Zealand hadn’t lost a Rugby World Cup game for 12 years and they had won 15 of the 16 past games against England. Not only was this shocking, but this win also meant England entered their first Rugby World Cup final in 12 years!

Elevate your England v New Zealand experience

Mark Saturday 2 November 2024 in your diaries and invite your friends, family or colleagues and clients to this showstopping fixture that’s sure to be a lasting memory for all that attend.

As England Rugby Hospitality’s Principal Sales Partner, we have six exceptional experiences for you to choose from. From a fine-dining experience in The East Wing on a private table, to a more relaxed and lively time in the British Airways Rose Garden.

Witness the Haka, feel the goosebumps and remember the inimitable atmosphere forever. Book your place to watch this unmissable, bucket-list fixture with an all-inclusive hospitality experience before its too late!