Itoje backs England to handle All Blacks backlash after historic Wales defeat

England captain Maro Itoje has declared his side ready for what he calls a ‘huge step up’ when they face New Zealand next week, with the All Blacks arriving at Twickenham stung by a historic 35-28 defeat to Wales — their first loss to the Welsh in 73 years.

Itoje’s England had little trouble in their own autumn fixture on Saturday, running out 78-15 winners over Japan at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, following their 45-22 victory over Australia the previous week. But the result that reshaped the November calendar came from Cardiff, where Wales produced one of their most significant wins in decades.

The England-New Zealand fixture was already considered the standout test of the autumn series, but Wales’s result at the Principality Stadium has added a charged new dimension. A wounded All Blacks side, eager to restore their reputation, now travel to Twickenham with a point to prove.

Japan head coach Eddie Jones, speaking after his Brave Blossoms’ defeat, offered a blunt assessment of what England can expect. ‘They’re violent,’ Jones said of New Zealand. ‘They’re usually violent, very physical and they’ll be massively disappointed about the performance today. New Zealand next week will be back to the old New Zealand. They’ll be hard and tough and physical around the breakdown.’

Itoje, however, is not deterred. The England captain acknowledged the scale of the challenge while insisting the squad has the belief and preparation to meet it.

‘It will be a huge step up — New Zealand are a world-class team,’ Itoje said. ‘We’ve had some great battles with them over the years. They’re right up there in the toughest teams to play. So it’s going to be a huge step up, but I think it’s a step up this team is ready for.’

Itoje also noted that matches against the All Blacks carry their own intensity regardless of context. ‘Every time we play New Zealand, it’s a fiercely contested game. Next week, I am very confident it will be no different. Obviously, they’re going to want a response, and we want to show where this team is going. So it’s going to be a very hotly contested game.’

The match will serve as a meaningful benchmark for England’s autumn campaign and their standing in the current Test landscape — a chance to measure themselves against a side that, even on an off day, remains among the most formidable in the world.