England vs New Zealand Rugby 2025: Freddie Steward’s Desperate Bid to End 13-Year Twickenham Drought Against All Blacks
England full-back Freddie Steward is fired up for a “desperate” clash with New Zealand on November 15, 2025, at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, aiming to shatter the All Blacks’ aura and secure England’s first home win over them in 13 years. The Quilter Nations Series showdown—kick-off 3:10pm GMT, live on TNT Sports—promises electric tension, with Steve Borthwick’s nine-match winning streak on the line against Scott Robertson’s resurgent side.
Key Match Details
- Venue & Date: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, Saturday November 15, 2025
- Kick-Off: 15:10 GMT
- Coverage: Live on TNT Sports, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sport website/app
- England Form: 9 wins (Australia 25-7, Fiji 38-18)
- New Zealand Form: 2 wins (Wales 55-23, Scotland 24-22)
- Head-to-Head: England 1 win in last 4 (2019 World Cup semi-final 19-7); Twickenham drought since 2012 (38-21)
Steward’s Hunger: Puncturing the All Blacks’ Myth
With 39 caps, including the 2022 Twickenham draw (25-25) and 2024 Eden Park loss (24-17), Steward knows the stakes. England’s last Twickenham triumph? A 38-21 thriller in 2012.
“It’s not just another week,” Steward told BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly. “Extra buzz, excitement, desperation. The All Blacks? Iconic—with the haka, always a cracker.”
He recalls 2022’s roar when Marcus Smith’s late try leveled it: “Loudest stadium ever. Lads buzzing for that Saturday.”
England’s 2019 Yokohama semi-final win (19-7) ended a decade-long hoodoo, but home soil eludes them. Steward: “Puncture their aura—first Twickenham win in 13 years.”
England Team News Borthwick names George Ford at fly-half (replacing Fin Smith), Freddie Steward at full-back. Maro Itoje captains; bench: 6 forwards (“Pom Squad” reloaded).
Starting XV: Steward; Roebuck, Lawrence, Dingwall, Feyi-Waboso; Ford, Mitchell; Baxter, George, Heyes, Itoje (c), Coles, Pepper, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Genge, Stuart, Curry, Cunningham-South, Pollock; Smith, Quirke.
Injuries: Fordy sidelined (hamstring); no other concerns.
Steward’s Grit: Dislocated Finger, Aerial Evolution
Steward’s Australia return (November 1, 25-7 win) was rocky—early spills—then horror: Dislocated finger, bone protruding.
“I thought: Catch one-handed? Kick went out—relieved,” he laughed. “Bone sticking out skin. Physios tried; couldn’t. Laughed telling lads ‘pinky finger’—decent one.”
Back November 8 vs Fiji (38-18): Solid, but aerial focus sharpened.
2024 law tweak: Chasers unimpeded (no “escort” blockers). Steward: “Harder job—frustrated first half vs Australia. Suaalii phenomenal; Potter hard.”
Adaptation: Overhead catches for height. “Extra metre. Law change? No bad thing—people want collisions, contests.”
At Leicester: Drills emphasize it. “Foundation of my game—devastating strength.”
Borthwick: “Freddie’s aerial security key vs Kiwis’ kicking game.”
Raducanu’s Wisdom: Elite Pressure Lessons
Tuesday’s Pennyhill Park session: US Open champ Emma Raducanu joined, sharing spotlight prep and pressure tactics.
Borthwick: “Privileged. Elite insights—individual prep vs team. Physical tweaks for top level.”
Raducanu: Kicking masterclass with Marcus Smith; line-out lifts by Fin Baxter/Will Stuart.
Baxter: “Weird intro—’Hi, I’m Fin.’ She caught ball well. Pressure she faces? Learn from.”
Line-out drill: Raducanu airborne—cheers all round.
Borthwick: “Emma’s contrast: Solo vs collective. Invaluable.”
Echoes 2021: Eddie Jones cited Raducanu as “distraction” example (Marcus Smith); apologized. She skipped invite then—now, full embrace.
All Blacks Threat: Robertson’s Reloaded Side
New Zealand (world No. 2): 5/6 wins post-Rugby Championship. Robertson’s rebuild: Ardie Savea spine, Beauden Barrett experience.
Key threats:
- Damian McKenzie: Late heroics (Scotland conversion, 2024)
- Quinn Tupaea: Centres brace vs Australia
- Wallace Sititi: 2024 Breakthrough Player; all-action No. 8
Borthwick: “Phenomenal spine—Taylor, Savea, Barrett. Five months together.”
England’s edge: Nine-win streak; home roar. “Loudest ever Saturday,” Steward vows.
Head-to-Head Since 2012
| Date | Venue | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2022 | Twickenham | 25-25 | Draw |
| Jul 2024 | Eden Park | 24-17 | NZ Win |
| Oct 2019 | Yokohama (WC SF) | 19-7 | Eng Win |
| Nov 2012 | Twickenham | 38-21 | Eng Win |
Why Victory Matters: Ending the Drought
13 years since 2012’s Manu Tuilagi-inspired rout. Yokohama 2019 broke hoodoo abroad; Twickenham awaits.
Steward: “Desperation palpable. Iconic foes—haka, history.”
Borthwick: “Huge test. Allianz loudest ever—crowd behind us? Phenomenal.”
New Zealand: Post-RC form; first Twickers since 2022 draw.
England’s streak: 9 wins (SA 2024 series 2-1, summer NZ Tests 3-0, Nations: Aus/Fiji).
Verdict: Desperate for Destiny
Steward’s return—finger healed, aerial honed—fuels England’s fire. Raducanu’s poise lessons? Timely for All Blacks intensity.
November 15: Not just a game—legacy. Puncture aura? Twickenham thunders yes.
England: Desperate, ready. All Blacks: Iconic, but beatable.
