"Tight battles in the past" - All Blacks stars Damian McKenzie and Leroy Carter eye up England clash
New ZealandFriday, 14 November 2025 at 15:58
All Black stars Damian McKenzie and Leroy Carter joined the media for the final pre-match press conference before their game against England this weekend.
"Our back three’s pretty good too" - All Blacks focus upon their own back-field strength
A lot of chat in the build up to this game has been around England’s back three strength and depth. Whilst this one of England’s strongest positions it is important not to get ahead of ourselves and look past opposition's quality.
New Zealand right winger Leroy Carter was asked how much he was relishing the chance to stick it to 82,000 overconfident English.
He said “Yeah, that's the goal at least. They've got an exciting back three, but I think so do we.
“I know they're probably going to test us aerially.”
The All Blacks back three definitely requires respect especially when you consider they keep someone of the quality of Damian McKenzie on the bench.
Relishing the hostile atmosphere at the home of English Rugby
The Kiwi’s are aware that this game matters more to the English than any other this autumn. Steve Borthwick made reference in the week to the sacrifices you have to make to beat New Zealand.
The fans always get up for New Zealand games right from the off. The fans view the Haka as much of a challenge to themselves as it is to the players. Choruses of swing low, sweet chariot ringing around the famous stadium will be deafening during the Haka.
Carter said “We've had some great battles in the last, you know, two or three years. And, it never gets any easier playing at Twickenham.
“We love playing there. The atmosphere's amazing. We've had some tight battles in the past.”
It’s Carter’s first game playing 15s at Twickenham, he was asked how was feeling and how he was preparing for it.
He said “Yeah, I guess nerves, excitement. The boys around me, like Damien, get around you. They tell you what it's going to be like and just to be excited and go and express yourself.”
'Sevens has trained me well' - Conditioning is no issue for former Sevens man Carter
On that subject Carter has played at Twickenham during the London sevens. Carter made his name in this format before switching to get a call up from the All Blacks.
Sevens is a very different game to 15s but there are transferable skills.
Carter said “Oh, I'd probably have to say just the work rate of sevens players.
“It's a pretty tough game. Although it's only 14 minutes, you get pretty cooked out there. So, yeah, probably that, yeah, fitness and work rate.”
Both benches are dangerous - 'Pom squad' take on Razor's reinforcements
International tests at this level invariably get decided in the last 20 minutes. This has led to an interesting new meta, keeping some of your best players on the bench. This can be seen with England keeping their all Lion front row on the bench.
The All Blacks will also be doing something similar. Wallace Sititi, New Zealand’s answer to Henry Pollock, has been a revelation and he has been put on the bench to bring impact later in the game.
The same can be said for Damian McKenzie. He made quite the impact last week against Scotland his cameo finished off the brave thistles.
When asked how he prepares to come off the bench McKenzie said “Making sure we've got enough gas in the tank to go on Saturday.
“We're confident with the way we're playing. But we know exactly the impact England have had in their last two tests.
“So, again, whatever role it is, when you're coming off the bench, you try and impact, and just protect yourself and play your game.”
Versatility is key for fly-half/full-back Damian McKenzie
Hybrid players are all the rage now in rugby just ask Andre Esterhuizen. England have their own hybrid players in the shape of Ben Earl, Henry Pollock and Marcus Smith.
One of New Zealand’s hybrid players, McKenzie is used to changing positions of the fly.
He said “I've probably become quite used to it, like bouncing in between 10 and 15.
“10, you've got to control the team. 15, you get a bit more freedom. And the last few weeks, being able to come on at 15, just really try and connect well with Bodie.”
McKenzie was very complimentary about England's fly halves
He said “I had the pleasure of playing against him last year. And, we obviously know the strengths and the skill set and excitement he brings to the team. So, yeah, George [Ford] is obviously very experienced and leads the team around the field really well”
McKenzie had some glowing praise for England star and proud ‘Pom squad’ member Marcus Smith.
He said “He's got pretty good feet. Younger legs. (he’s) A bit quicker.”
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