A year ago, England famously ground out an intense victory over the All Blacks at Wellingtons Westpac Stadium, putting down an important marker in terms of self-belief for the World Cup campaign that followed four months later.

Repeating such a result this weekend, though, would eclipse that achievement, given its acute and unique degree of difficulty.

Carisbrook, New Zealands imposing rugby fortress, has only been stormed three times in 101 years - twice by the British Lions (1930 and 1971) and once by Australia (2001).

The All Blacks boast 28 wins and one draw from 32 Tests at their so-called House of Pain, which underlines the enormous task facing Woodwards players.

Theyve also arrived on New Zealands South Island without 14 World Cup squad members, including Jonny Wilkinson, Jason Robinson, Will Greenwood and Phil Vickery, so to say the chips are down would be a huge understatement.

The All Blacks, moulded together by a new coaching trio of Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith, dare not contemplate defeat.

Their World Cup failure - a semi-final exit against Australia in Sydney last November - still haunts supporters used to gorging themselves at rugbys top table.

The pressure, in many ways, is off England, yet if they can strangle the New Zealand forwards at source and reduce game-breakers like Carlos Spencer, Joe Rokocoko and Doug Howlett to frustrated spectators, then Carisbrook could be silenced.

We respect the All Blacks as a team, but we have confidence in our own ability at the moment, said England captain Lawrence Dallaglio.

We have players who are playing with momentum, who are used to winning and who will give their best.

We have been playing rugby week in, week out, so in terms of the physical confrontation thats something I am hoping we are very much used to. Its an exciting challenge.

I think looking at the side theyve picked, New Zealand are fully prepared for a physical confrontation up front. Thats going to be a key battle for both sides - the scrum, the lineout and the battle around the fringes.