All Blacks brace for fast first test against England

New captain Scott Barrett said on Friday the All Blacks are preparing for a lightning-quick first test against a "dynamic" England side inspired by playmaker Marcus Smith.

The Scott Robertson era begins for New Zealand in Dunedin on Saturday, with the new coach having had less than two weeks to introduce the players to his methods.

The seven-time champion former Crusaders coach takes over with the All Blacks not having played since last year's World Cup.

Barrett said the team had reviewed England's tour-opening 52-17 drubbing of Japan in Tokyo, in which fly-half Smith scored one try and set up two more.

Smith's unpredictability behind a forward pack spearheaded by No 8 Ben Earl would present a formidable challenge, he said.

"From what I've seen of England against Japan, they were quite dynamic actually," Barrett told reporters.

"They'll still have their DNA of wanting to take you on up front but I think with Marcus Smith there, Ben Earl and athletes across the park, we've got to anticipate a very dynamic England side."

Damian McKenzie will play fly-half for the All Blacks, with World Cup playmaker Richie Mo'unga unavailable after taking up a contract in Japan.

BREAKNECK SPEED

Both number 10s are known for their running games, adding to the likelihood of a test played at breakneck speed under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

England midfield back Ollie Lawrence said playing outside Smith had been an eye-opener, comparing him to the mercurial Scottish fly-half Finn Russell, his teammate at English club Bath.

"They're similar in the way that they create space for themselves and for players around them," Lawrence said.

"It's something we've worked hard on since the Six Nations, is marrying up our partnership.

"Marcus is an incredible player and he can be a difference for us tomorrow."

England coach Steve Borthwick made only two changes to his starting side in Japan, promoting props Joe Marler and Will Stuart.

Robertson sprang a surprise by naming 123-test veteran back Beauden Barrett on his bench but has otherwise retained eight starting players from the World Cup final loss to South Africa under predecessor Ian Foster.

One of them is 2023 World Player of the Year Ardie Savea, who said the 12-11 loss to the Springboks was still playing on the minds of some All Blacks.

"For the majority of us who played at the World Cup, it still lingers within us," he said.

"Everyone deals with it differently. Some of us hold onto it and use it as motivation to not let it happen again."

Teams:

New Zealand (15-1):

Stephen Perofeta; Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Tele'a; Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara; Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali'i, Samipeni Finau; Patrick Tuipulotu, Scott Barrett (captain); Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: Beauden Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Finlay Christie, Luke Jacobson, Tupou Vaa'i, Fletcher Newell, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Asafo Aumua.

England (15-1)

George Furbank; Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman; Marcus Smith, Alex Mitchell; Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, Chandler Cunningham-South; George Martin, Maro Itoje; Will Stuart, Jamie George (captain), Joe Marler

Replacements: Theo Dan, Fin Baxter, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, Ollie Sleightholme