Chandler Cunningham-South tackles Codie Taylor of New Zealand. Twickenham. England vs All Blacks, 2024. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2024 www.photosport.nz
Twickenham is the biggest rugby stadium in the world and for many visiting players, it's one the most iconic.
The home of English rugby, Twickenham, will host the All Blacks test against England this weekend, as the tourists seek to keep alive their dreams of a Grand Slam tour.
All Blacks playing England at Twickenham. Photo: Photosport
The ground holds 82,000 and is the second biggest stadium in England after Wembley.
FNB Stadium (Soccer City) in Johannesburg is the largest seating capacity for a rugby stadium at almost 95,000, but Twickenham is the biggest stadium solely dedicated to the sport.
The All Blacks haven't been beaten by England at Twickenham since 2012, winning their last five tests against the hosts at the London ground.
Many of the current All Blacks have played at Twickenham before, but for some, such as midfielder Billy Proctor and loose forward Peter Lakai, it will be a new experience.
"I went there last year and didn't play. It was an awesome stadium to be at and hopefully I get to play this week," Proctor said.
"If so, it'll be an awesome occasion to play at one of the greatest rugby stadiums in the world."
Billy Proctor fends. Photo: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
Lakai shared similar sentiments.
"Like Billy, I was there last year in the stands watching and just the atmosphere, especially pre-game, was unreal.
"Hopefully I get named in the 23 and then we'll look forward to that occasion."
Lakai has started in the last two test wins over Ireland and Scotland and appears set to be retained for the England clash alongside fellow loose forwards Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi.
Proctor on the other hand has lost his starting spot to Quinn Tupaea for the final Rugby Championship test against Australia and hasn't been in the run on side since. He has also seemingly been leap frogged in the midfield pecking order by Leicester Fainga'anuku, who started alongside Tupaea against Scotland.
The Hurricanes star had an outstanding Super Rugby season, but hasn't been able to nail down the starting centre role for the All Blacks, despite being given plenty of opportunity this year.
Proctor insists he's happy to "fight" to regain his starting spot and said his focus is on helping the All Blacks in whichever way he can.
"I think every position in this team is a competition with the calibre of player that we have in here. So, yeah, you're fighting for your position," he said.
"Whoever is the one that gets to wear the jersey, you do what you can to prepare him the best way possible and support him, or you have the privilege of being the one to wear the jersey and represent your country."
All Black Peter Lakai scores a try. Photo: Bob Martin/ActionPress
Based on rankings, England should be a step up in competition for the All Blacks from Scotland and Lakai said they need to improve on their performance against the Scots if they're to emerge triumphant at Twickenham.
"Yeah, 100 percent. There were a few positives that came out of the Scotland game, but also a few work-ons. Our focus is just to get better every day and build from the last test," Lakai said.
"We know how good England are, especially their back row being the heartbeat of their team, but we're just focusing on us and looking to get better every day and build towards Saturday."
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