Itoje feels England ready to turn tide against New Zealand

Hosts are on streak of nine victories but have not beaten tomorrow's visitors since 2019

- Robert Kitson

England have endured plenty of agonising near misses against New Zealand in recent years but there is no shortage of belief this time around.

The home captain, Maro Itoje, says he believes his side are “ready” to secure a first victory over the All Blacks since 2019 and suggests they now have the rising confidence and mental clarity to extend their winning run to 10 games.

Itoje knows from personal experience what it takes to beat New Zealand, having tasted success for the British & Irish Lions in 2017 and again for England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup semifinal in Yokohama. On three occasions last year he was part of teams narrowly edged out in the final stages by the All Blacks in Dunedin, Auckland and London but says England are now significantly better placed to seal the deal tomorrow.

“I think we're ready,” said Itoje as England put the finishing touches to their big game preparations at their hotel base in Bagshot. “New Zealand are a good team, no doubt about that. They possess enough talent, accuracy and power to hurt any team but I think we're ready to take that next step.