Get ready for a rugby showdown that’s been 13 years in the making! England is desperate to shatter New Zealand’s legendary aura and claim a long-awaited home victory against the All Blacks this Saturday. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Freddie Steward and his teammates truly puncture the mystique of one of rugby’s most iconic teams? Let’s dive in.
The Quilter Nations Series clash at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, kicks off at 15:10 GMT on Saturday, 15 November, with live coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website and app. This isn’t just another match—it’s a chance for England to end a drought that’s stretched over a decade. Their last home win against New Zealand? A thrilling 38-21 victory back in 2012. Since then, the All Blacks have remained untouchable on English soil.
Freddie Steward, starting at fullback, knows the stakes all too well. In his 39 caps, he’s faced New Zealand twice: a 25-25 draw at Twickenham in 2022 and a 24-17 defeat at Eden Park in 2024. But Steward isn’t just here to play—he’s here to win. ‘People say it’s just another week, but it’s not,’ he told the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly. ‘There’s this extra buzz, this excitement, and yes, a bit of desperation. The All Blacks are iconic—the haka, the history—it’s always a spectacle.’
And this is the part most people miss: Steward recalls the electric atmosphere during the 2022 draw. ‘When that third try went in late, the stadium erupted. It was one of the loudest moments I’ve ever experienced. The lads are buzzing to recreate that this weekend.’
But Steward’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. In England’s recent 25-7 win over Australia, he had a tough afternoon. The 24-year-old uncharacteristically fumbled several high balls before suffering a gruesome injury—a dislocated finger. ‘The bone was sticking out of the skin,’ he recalled. ‘I tried to pop it back in, but the physios couldn’t. I had to leave the field.’ Despite the pain, Steward found humor in the situation, joking with his teammates about his ‘injured pinky.’
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Steward believes recent rule changes have made fielding high balls significantly harder. ‘Two weeks ago against Australia, I couldn’t bring down a high ball in the first half,’ he admitted. ‘It’s frustrating because that’s my foundation.’ The new laws allow chasers an unimpeded route into aerial contests, increasing the difficulty for fullbacks like Steward. ‘It’s made my job tougher, but I think the change is good for the game. Fans want to see those aerial collisions and proper contests.’
Off the field, England received a surprise visitor—British tennis star Emma Raducanu. The 2021 US Open champion shared insights on preparing for high-pressure matches and dealing with the spotlight. Head coach Steve Borthwick praised her visit, calling it a ‘privileged learning experience.’ Raducanu’s presence sparked memories of a 2021 controversy when former coach Eddie Jones used her as an example of distractions affecting young athletes. Jones later apologized, but Raducanu declined his invitation to watch England play that autumn.
As England prepares for this weekend’s clash, the question remains: Can they finally break the All Blacks’ Twickenham curse? And what role will Steward play in this high-stakes battle? One thing’s for sure—this match will be anything but ordinary.
Thought-provoking question for you: Do rule changes like the one affecting aerial contests enhance the game, or do they unfairly penalize players like Steward? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
