ENGLAND/ALL BLACKS NAME TEAMS;

Preview: All Blacks v England 02/11/2006

England, no matter its perceived strength, is always a tantalising prospect for All Blacks fans and the opening Test of this year's tour promises to be little different as New Zealand counts down to its Rugby World Cup campaign.

VENUE & TIME: Twickenham, London, Monday November 5, 4.30 NZT.

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 28 - All Blacks 21, England 6, Draws 1.

LAST TIME: November 19, 2005 (Twickenham) - All Blacks 23-19 England.

WALKING WOUNDED: New Zealand is still not able to call on fullback Leon MacDonald and prop Neemia Tialata and Nick Evans is described as a 50-50 chance to play due to a hamstring strain. England has far greater injury concerns. Among the English absentees are: fullback Josh Lewsey, centre Mathew Tait, No.8 James Forrester. Wing Mark Cueto is the most recent withdrawal after suffering an ankle injury.

FORM: England's record in the last 12 months has not been impressive and it has entered into a rebuilding phase before next year's World Cup. The injury list will not have helped coach Andy Robinson in his plans but the introduction of new players gives them a chance to impress. The All Blacks, after dominating the Tri Nations, lost disappointingly in their last match to South Africa.

WHO'S HOT: First five-eighths Charlie Hodgson has a big role to play in whatever game plan England employs. His kicking will be crucial but his ability to set alight his backline will make him dangerous. Martin Corry is on the blindside of the scrum and respected for his work rate. Wing Ben Cohen is always a handful against New Zealand. Evans might be a surprise for British pundits at first five-eighths, but he had a good Air New Zealand Cup campaign for Otago and will relish any openings in the English defence. Outside him Aaron Mauger will have an important role in unleashing centre Ma'a Nonu's talents. Captain Richie McCaw, after such a long time out of match play can be expected to be a dominating figure in the loose.



TEAMS:

New Zealand: 1 - Tony Woodcock, 2 - Keven Mealamu, 3 - Carl Hayman, 4 - Chris Jack, 5 - Keith Robinson, 6 - Reuben Thorne, 7 - Richie McCaw (Captain), 8 - Chris Masoe, 9 - Byron Kelleher, 10 - Nick Evans, 11 - Joe Rokocoko, 12 - Aaron Mauger, 13 - Ma'a Nonu, 14 - Rico Gear, 15 - Mils Muliaina.

Replacements: 16 - Andrew Hore, 17 - John Afoa, 18 - Clarke Dermody, 19 - Rodney So'oialo, 20 - Andrew Ellis, 21 - Dan Carter, 22 - Sitiveni Sivivatu.

England: 1 - Andrew Sheridan, 2 - George Chuter, 3 - Julian White, 4 - Danny Grewcock, 5 - Ben Kay, 6 - Martin Corry (Captain), 7 - Lewis Moody, 8 - Pat Sanderson, 9 - Shaun Perry, 10 - Charlie Hodgson, 11 - Ben Cohen, 12 - Anthony Allen, 13 - Jamie Noon, 14 - Mark Cueto, 15 - Iain Balshaw.

Replacements: 16 - Lee Mears, 17 - Stuart Turner, 18 - Chris Jones, 19 - Magnus Lund, 20 - Peter Richards, 21 - Andy Goode, 22 - Mark van Gisbergen.