Blindside flanker Ethan Blackadder, who will make his return to the international game, said, "They've all got good heads on their shoulders.
"They're constantly connecting with coaches and players and feel confident.
"They know they're good enough to be here and the squad gives them confidence. Deep down I bet they are nervous, but excited."
Blackadder said he couldn't wait until Friday night (San Diego time) to make his first start since 2021 because of injuries that have curtailed his opportunities.
"There have been plenty of frustrations along the road, but the ambition and desire to keep trying to get back into this environment keeps me going. I had a lot of help with my rehab on the way, so I appreciate it and am grateful.
"I'm excited to have a game of footy and it happens to be for the All Blacks so, that makes it an even more special moment. I've put all that stuff behind that's happened this year and have focused on where my feet are, and the now."
It was a fresh page for the All Blacks with so many new players, but standards didn't drop no matter who was playing.
"We've made sure we've had an edge this week and we're preparing for a tough, tough game."
Playing openside flanker was different for him, but he wasn't concerned.
"There're only a few subtleties between say six [blindside] and seven [openside] in this team. You might be off the scrum to make a tackle clean up earlier than six, so there's not much difference. I like being versatile and this is my opportunity."
Blackadder has observed Fiji's progress since the Drua joined Super Rugby Pacific.
"They're a very tough side, and it doesn't matter if it's Super Rugby or international, they're always a very hard team, so there's no way we're taking this Fiji side lightly, and it's going to be a tough contest.
"They've got a lot of athletes, and they can find a way. We're expecting a tough one and have prepared accordingly.
Prop Tamaiti Williams will start for the second time in his ninth Test. He is also coming off injury but said it was exciting playing one Test, but to be able to put on the No1 jersey was just as exciting.
"I can't wait to rip in.
"The scrum has been going well for us. The trainings have been hard out, but it's good to see the boys transfer the good trainings onto the pitch and get some reward against a good England pack."
Williams said his injury layoff taught him aspects of the game he hadn't experienced before. But he got back on the field for the last few Super Rugby games, and he has been working hard to prepare his teammates to play England.
"I'm lucky enough to get a chance on Friday, so it's been building, and I'm looking forward to it.