Lawes in name game

they don’t know now, then they will tomorrow,” the Northampton lock warned Steve Hansen’s men, as England trained on a sodden Yokohama pitch. Retallick was upset this week

“In those situations you can completely dismantle or draw closer to each other. I think those experiences have made the resolve of the team stronger and made us more robust.

“They make you realise the pain of being in those sorts of situations and, I think, give you more of a sense of control going forward.”

England reunite playmakers George Ford and Owen Farrell with a view to imposing their game rather than waiting to see what questions are asked of them.

But Itoje admits that England must win if they are to achieve their stated aim of becoming the best in the world.

“To be the man you’ve got to beat the man,’” he said, quoting former pro wrestler Ric Flair.

“They have obviously been the dominant team over the last eight years and if you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.

“That is our challenge – that is what is in front of us.” when he was reminded of his embarrassing gaffe.

But Lawes said: “We will just get on with it.”

England have lost 15 of their past 16 meetings with the All Blacks but coach Eddie Jones believes it could come down to mental strength.

He said: “The team have worked a lot harder off the pitch to form a tighter unit which helps them through on the field.

“It’ll definitely come down to the mind.”