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| Dan Carter takes on the English defence (c) GETTY Images |
Ahead of the test series between England and the All Blacks there has been an understandable emphasis on a disparity of experience between the two sides. You would be hard pressed to come across a report previewing the match that does not highlight the collective cap totals of the starting XVs, and since the New Zealand team more than doubles their English counterparts (779-303), it is understandable that this feature has become part of the overall narrative of the series.
If England lose Saturday, which they will, it is true that part of the reason will be because the All Blacks were more experienced and able to take advantage of a green England side. That the England team that won in 2012 was also vastly inexperienced compared to that Kiwi side hasn't been mentioned in what I've read.
If England lose Saturday, which they will, it is true that part of the reason will be because the All Blacks were more experienced and able to take advantage of a green England side. That the England team that won in 2012 was also vastly inexperienced compared to that Kiwi side hasn't been mentioned in what I've read.
What hasn't been talked about so much (maybe it doesn't need saying?) is that the Kiwis are collectively more talented and play superior rugby, which is why they will win the series. The England side for this week is missing a plethora of front line talent from injury and rest and had the XV that had featured for the previous 6 Nations been available, this gap in experience would not be the conversational crutch that it has become. The side is what it is though, and England coach Stuart Lancaster and his staff will have to construct a game plan that will give this side a chance at victory.
