KEY POINTS:
Attack and England look as likely as Bushmen in the Arctic.
But all the emphasis for public consumption from the World Cup holders has been on a change in approach, an accent on expansive play.
Commendable but still incongruous and, for those English supporters with long memories, a
grave flashback to the 1991 World Cup when they were lured away from their close-quarter excellence to failure in the final.
Assistant All Black coach Wayne Smith, meanwhile, assumed England had little other option, as midfielders Anthony Allen and Jamie Noon were by instinct attacking players. "Intent and execution are two different things and our job is to cut down their execution," he said.
His England opposite Brian Ashton had shown his ability to create attacking combinations but his international enemy was time. Altering players' mindset and customs was a lengthy process.
There must also be doubts whether England have the loose forward firepower, supporting backs and belief to outmanouevre the All Blacks' defence. The hosts have a heavyweight pack whose modus operandi is more bludgeon than rapier.
Their instinct will be to squeeze the All Blacks, suffocate their chances and rumble but, if that path is blocked, how will they offer some attacking assistance to their backline?
Changing "habits of a lifetime" has been an All Black theme on this trip, with lineout strategies top of the agenda. If that set-piece area disintegrates, as it has done regularly this season, there will be a corresponding loss of opportunity.
"We are not so used to the England style. We have to do a lot more homework than against Australia and South Africa," hooker Kevin Mealamu conceded.
Banging heads in the core of the contest will be Keith Robinson and Danny Grewcock, locks with no reverse gear whose collisions at the breakdowns should be great value for the 82,000 spectators.
Quite what their reaction will be to the haka depends on whether Kapa O Pango or Ka Mate is used but they will look to influence French referee Joel Jutge, especially if there are some tasty incidents.
Robinson admitted this week he gulped sometimes in reviewing footage of his play but aggression was a critical element in top level rugby. Discipline was also the key but, if England wanted to be bullies, they would discover similar beasts in the All Black jersey.
There is a level of uncertainty about the condition and combinations among the All Black forwards, where all but Robinson have had layoffs from three to 10 weeks, in the case of flanker Reuben Thorne.
He felt his fitness would hold up, having done plenty of running since breaking his thumb in Pretoria.
Skipper Richie McCaw has been on light duties, too, for his first test at Twickenham. It will be a relief to see him rise from each breakdown undamaged, after the head knock he suffered in his provincial comeback.
His thinking was not blurred this week. "England are on a run of five consecutive defeats but that makes them more dangerous," he said.
"I know just how good England can be when they get it all together. They'll be hungry for success and we have to match that hunger across the pitch."
First five-eighths Nick Evans yesterday lost his unlikely recovery from a damaged hamstring and Daniel Carter was confirmed as his replacement.
But Byron Kelleher, Carter, Aaron Mauger, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Rico Gear and Mils Muliaina is an awesome collection of strike weapons. If they are served good ball, have some patience and gell, they could create rugby Twickenham has rarely witnessed.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
