Codie Taylor casts his eye on English challenge

h 00114111

Hooker Codie Taylor said England's game was built around its set piece, getting downfield and applying pressure on opponents in the wrong parts of the field.

"We expect that. They showed some good stuff against Japan. They've been over here working away and it's going to be a very tough match."

Both teams will go into the Test with mindsets of what they want to achieve, and for the All Blacks, it was about getting on the front foot again and building momentum for the season.

Taylor said the new coaching group had been champing at the bit for about six months, and it had been good to come into the camp and see them owning their roles within the group.

Based in Upper Hutt throughout the week at NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport made their preparation a lot easier, and the team had connected.

"It has been tough at times, [there's been] a few long nights of learning new things but I am really looking forward to building into this Test week."


Taylor said he noticed no change in coach Scott Robertson from the man he knew during his time at the Crusaders and now as coach of the All Blacks.

"He's always thinking, trying to add to our game, whether on the field or off. The group's connection is important to him, and the mindset that he wants to drive us as a team each week is his baby.

From a hooking perspective, Asafo Aumua had been in the environment before, performed well, and was ready to get stuck in, and newcomer George Bell was a special talent.

"You want to help those boys grow and learn as quick as they can."

Taylor, who had a delayed start to the Super Rugby Pacific season, said he enjoyed his break and getting back to playing, although the Crusaders missing out on the playoffs meant he had another week off. But that meant he was refreshed coming into the All Blacks environment.

While under new management, they were never removed from the legacy, and it always felt special to be part of an All Blacks team.

"There are a lot of new things that are refreshing, but results will tell."

The side has talked about connection and clarity and getting to the point where they can perform and support each other. Some exciting things were developing, and there was also clarity about how England wanted to play and how the All Blacks nullified that.

Find out where to watch the game around the world HERE.

LATEST NEWS

View all