Autumn International: England & New Zealand set for Rugby Showdown in the UK

England and New Zealand will lock horns at Twickenham Stadium on November 15 in one of the highlights of the sporting year in the United Kingdom (UK).

The home side are eager to bare their teeth against a team which has traditionally been at the top of the pile in international rugby union.

However, the All Blacks are in the midst of a significant slump and will head to the UK with a point to prove. Read on as we preview the upcoming game.

Freeman at the Centre of England's Evolution

The build-up to the game in the UK has been dominated by reigning England Player of the Year Tommy Freeman, who is switching roles from the wing to outside-centre.

England head coach Steve Borthwick and Northampton Saints have been helping with the transition, which could bolster England's team for years.

Freeman enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 campaign, scoring 23 tries for Northampton, England and the British Lions. His tally included a hat-trick in the Champions Cup semi-final win over Leinster.

He also scored tries in every round of the Six Nations Championship earlier this year, becoming the first England men's player to achieve that feat.

Freeman represented the Lions in Australia this summer, starting all three Tests and establishing himself as one of the most feared finishers around.

However, Borthwick sees the Oxford-born star as more than a wing. They already have several options there, including Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Cadan Murley, Elliot Daly and Henry Arundell.

They do not have that depth at outside-centre, and many people believe Freeman has the pace, power and sharp rugby IQ to make the midfield look more fluid.

Freeman delivered two impressive cameos in midfield, impressing for Northampton against Sale Sharks before shining for England in the thumping of Wales in Cardiff.

Borthwick wants versatility in his team and Freeman embodies that philosophy. As England look to mount a serious challenge at the 2027 World Cup, Freeman will need to deliver in multiple roles.

Every other position has a fine balance to it, and England will be riding high on confidence after a recent victory against Argentina.

Ten players from England ‘A’ have pushed forward into the senior team over the past year, demonstrating an exciting growth path. The Gallagher Premiership keeps producing talent.

New Zealand in Disarray Ahead of Trip to the UK

The All Backs of three or four years ago would be the bookmakers’ favourites to come out on top against England. However, the odds are stacked against them this time around.

Optimistic Kiwi fans will still be backing the team on NZ betting sites, but the bookmakers will fancy their chances of avoiding a hefty payout.

New Zealand are still licking their wounds after suffering their heaviest-ever defeat in the 43-10 defeat against South Africa in Wellington.

The Springboks tamed the usually ferocious All Blacks, scoring 36 unanswered points in the second half. The oddsmakers had predicted a close game, but South Africa ran riot.

New Zealand lost composure as the cracks in Scott Robertson's team came to the fore. Robertson is back at square one after a promising win a week before that suggested they were on the right track.

Robertson admitted his team was unprepared. With consecutive Bledisloe Cup matches on the horizon, the All Backs desperately need to build momentum before facing England.

NZ's days of rugby dominance could be over. They lack imagination, and the fans are unhappy. New Zealand have been tactically bankrupt under Robertson.

The loss of respected stalwarts such as Aaron Smith, Richie Mo'unga, Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick after the 2023 World Cup has left a gaping experience vacuum.

While Robertson still has Ardie Savea, Codie Taylor, Beauden Barrett and Will Jordan in his squad, he has been unable to galvanise them into a formidable unit. Injuries have not helped with cohesion and consistency, but that excuse cannot hold up for much longer.

New Zealand's eligibility rules have made matters worse. While Australia and South Africa can call on their diaspora players, the Kiwis must build from within.

Defeat no longer fazes the team or the fans. If New Zealand had lost to South Africa by that scoreline years ago, heads would have rolled.

They seem resigned to the fact that they no longer have their cloak of invincibility and England could be good bet to take advantage when they visit the UK in November.