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Speaking about new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, captain Scott Barrett told BBC Rugby Union Daily: "He knows how to get the best out of his athletes and he has honed in on our DNA as All Blacks and what is required.

"Equally, we are looking to grow our defence which is a big strength and start really well in this test match."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

The All Blacks have not played since narrowly losing the Rugby World Cup Final to South Africa in late October 2023 and have a new head coach in Scott Robertson, who has taken over from Ian Foster.

The charismatic Robertson enjoyed a trophy-laden club career with the Crusaders in Super Rugby, winning six titles, where his unique dancing in their celebrations becoming a regular sight.

The fact the Crusaders had one of their poorest performances in Super Rugby this campaign shows he is missed, but their loss could well be the country’s gain.

It will be something of a new look side as some of the modern day greats and most familiar faces in Sam Whitelock, Dance Coles, Brodie Retallick and Aaron Smith have retired from international rugby.

Experienced forward Scott Barrett captains a group with five uncapped players with World Player of the Year Ardie Savea vice-captain.

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England believe it could be "a very special week" as they chase a first Test series win in New Zealand, says captain Jamie George.

The men's team have only won two Tests in New Zealand, their last win coming in 2003.

Asked about that record by BBC Sport, George said: "It's hard because you are desperate for a win out here because we know how hard it is to do.

"What we have done really well this week is lay the foundations properly, get the understanding of what we want to do and why and then build throughout the week.

"It's been bubbling away nicely and if we apply ourselves, the way that I know that we can and the way we have this week, it could be a very special week for us."

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The England squad have been together for a few weeks now and warmed-up for this one with a resounding win over former England coach Eddie Jones' Japan on 22 June.

Marcus Smith impressed again in the number 10 jersey as England ran in eight tries in a 52-17 victory in Tokyo.

In beating Japan they achieved their first objective of the summer but they will ultimately be judged on their two-game series with the All Blacks.

It was a positive day slightly sullied by the red card received by Bath lock Charlie Ewels which has ruled him out of the two New Zealand tests.

Borthwick says he is expecting a big challenge despite the All Blacks being in something of a transitional phase with a new coach and a host of retirements of star players.

“There are certain things you always know with a New Zealand team,” said Borthwick.

“They are going to have pace, power, skill and incredible talent. You see that when you look at their squad, and you look at the coaching team and you see a high calibre of coaching team who have worked together a lot.

"We are expecting a really well-prepared New Zealand team and a really intense Test match in Dunedin.”

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Speaking ahead of the game, England head coach Steve Borthwick said there is no bigger challenge in world rugby than playing the All Blacks in New Zealand.

The history backs that up as only two England teams ever – 1973 and 2003 – have won a Test match against the All Blacks in New Zealand, and never a series.

"The players want to test themselves against the best teams around," Borthwick told BBC Sport.

"We have incredible respect for New Zealand, but at the same time we have focused on ourselves and on what we need to do.

"I hope the players when they pull on the shirt on Saturday night, so excited for this brilliant Test match, feel energised, inspired and ready to bring their strengths and talent onto the pitch.”

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Good morning and welcome along to our live coverage of England's first Test against the the All Blacks in New Zealand.

Steve Borthwick's men are looking to build on what was an improved end to the Six Nations after a stumbling start against an All Blacks side that hasn't played since narrowly losing the World Cup final back in late October.

We're here early to kick-off what promises to be a glorious day of sport with this international in Dunedin followed by day of play at Wimbledon (weather permitting) and of course England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final match against Switzerland coming up later.

Whether you are staying or going out, you can follow all the action across the BBC so stay with us throughout the day for the sort of summer spectacle that all sport fans look forward to.