I supported England for the first time in my life last weekend. That's how much admiration I have for Felix Jones, I hope he will make the same impact in England as he did in South Africa.

I think England's Achilles heel is their bench, and given the Eden Park fortress status, England will do well to lose by 1 score

I cannot believe i am watching your content every. single. day.

As an AB supporter, I've enjoyed seeing SA in such a positive light. Refreshing indeed!

Interesting nugget for you. Salt Rock the British clothing is named after that Salt Rock where you are. Two saffas started the brand in Devon

As always, a pleasure to watch and listen to your analysis. Very knowledgable. Thank you for visiting our country. Enjoy!

As an Ireland man England look to be on the up, one to watch for next six nations

Kiwi here. Always enjoy your analysis. You are spot on with Reiko. Great athlete. Excellent left wing. Mediocre centre. No creativity. Would much rather have ALB at 13. Great defender, excellent ball runner and distributor…brilliant communicator. Also Reiko wouldn’t in my opinion usurp any of our current 4 wingers either. So it’s interesting what the new coaching regime will do there, as Jordie and Reiko have been trying to build that centre combination for a while now. Other changes…..possibly give Blackadder a go at 6. Papali’i is very polarising here in NZ…he’s not a traditional superstar 7 that we usually have here in NZ, and a lot of pundits would love to see Ardie go back to THAT position, and possibly give our “new big thing” Sititi a go at number 8. Big call to make in a big test match…but something to look for down the line. Finlay Christie our halfback not hugely inspiring also. All are just warming THAT seat for Cam Roigard to get back…as he is definitely something special. Beauden Barrett could potentially start at 15 this weekend too. Perofeta a nice foil off the bench covering 10/15.

Tim has anyone told you about Bayete Zulu? 2 hours north of where you are and you can meet a family of elephants and touch them - absolutely unforgettable experience and I say that as a South African from Durban. Thanks for the videos!

England definately on the way up, but NEVER underestmate NZ

South African recently moved to the UK wanting the UK team to be my 2nd team, will definitely listen to your input on the England players as well as the local rugby going on. Thank you for such great content.

Let's be honest...we will see the influence and genius of Felix Jones soon in this England team.

You can wax lyrical about England all you like, and rightly so, and even talk about NZ’s limitations, which are many, but there’s one thing NZ has that no other team in world rugby has, including SA, and that’s the ruthless bloody-minded intensity of a pack of ravenous wolves chasing after their prey, an intensity which England struggled to match in the last quarter.

No worries Razor carry on.. massive pressure about to be applied on Englands front row/ tight five. The All Blacks will keep it as tight as possible, scrum, maul, pick and go to try and wear down the English forwards. This should pay dividends in the later stages of the second half.

Tim one of the biggest draws to your channel is the locations you film from. Even when you are not abroad, try not to do your podcast from a studio if possible.

Felix jones definitely doing something

Agree with most of that. As an England fan I haven't felt this optimistic for years (maybe since the Ford/Farrell generation came through). With regards to the centres I still feel that Lawrence at 12 feels like a work in progress (I think he's great at 13) and that we could do with a 'natural 12' but he does a job. Regardless of whether we win or lose on Saturday I think the performance is more important than the result.

Its good news that all teams are stepping up, it will make the next world cup in Australia very interesting. Its good that all teams builidng now already, no matter if its win or lose, its the building factor.

Kiwi here. Really enjoy Gallagher prem and to me the English team reflects how good that comp is. Re NZ problems, agree on Jordy, never sold on Ioane at 13. Our back 3 don't need space. They need a one on one against a stationary defender. To me, NZ main issue is not taking the ball up route 1, up the middle with the forwards. Zero go forward. Going wide before that spells disaster. Same problems for the past 5/6 years. That's got me concerned. But, they dug deep and won a tough test. I think it's tactical rather than personnel issues, but that's just me

I'm not expecting to much of the ABS this year beat England, Australia, Argentina and a bonus if we steal a win in South Africa.. I'm looking forward to Peak Razor though. Will Jordan to take his rightful throne as the World Premiere Fullback, Mounga Back as Razors Lieutenant, Roigard giving us our much needed Running threat to finally counter the Rush D and Snipe putting the Defence well past the Ball. Fainga'anuku another champion under Razor to come back as a seasoned centre experienced from top 14. Then Our own Bomb Squad with Frizzell to return, Fabian Holland to become eligible giving as a big 6 foot 8 dutch lock, our young Massive Front Rowers to become Test hardend.

As a kiwi I’m expecting the ABs to be a lot better for the run but they will need to be as the English are building a very strong team

As a South African I have always had a healthy respect for England (even when they were out of form). A good England side is good for everyone, more high level tier one competition can only mean more amazing games to watch for the fans. Also, on a side note, I admire the English winning mentality (many people dismiss it as arrogance) in all sports, you guys always come to win.. whether its rugby, athletics, boxing, or even canine agility competitions😂

My manhood introduction was in 73 ,when I was taken to Eden Park with my Dad, brother and brother in law.Share the passion,Tim!

Tim. I am really not a big English fan (although I'm starting to get a soft spot for them mostly thanks to you) and a couple weeks back I said that we must be careful of this English team. They are building towards something very special and that I believe they will be massive contenders for WC 2027. A NZ fan still laughed at me and said they are, and I quote, "smack you guys up" I think he will think twice now.

Lovely background Tim.

Love the background. Stunning Natal scenery

Love to see England play solid rugby and the all blacks adapt to it , again. Made for some of the most interesting rugby I’ve seen in a while

I had confidence in Borthwick from the start. He was dealt a tricky deck, but he's settled in as a fantastic international coach. He prioritised experience and risk-averse tactics to take us within two minutes of a World Cup final. In case people have forgotten, we're the third best team in the world! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Since then, and despite a few blips, England have been on the up. Five wins from eight since the Semi-Final. Squad selection has started making sense. His coaching calls have made sense. His game plan makes sense. Like you, Tim, I'm really excited as an Englishman and, to quote Borthwick himself, the ceiling is very, very high for this new squad. Whatever happens at the weekend, the boys will make us proud!

Two teams coming from polar opposite seasons. NZL at beginning whereas England at end. With England throwing it at them in first match like they did, and NZL holding it off…NZL are looking good. Their teamwork, set pieces and tactics are only going to improve from here…and that has to be frightening

I felt we were hanging on a bit at times. Think NZ have got this by a bigger margin. We'll still make it hard for them, but think last week was our big chance.

Another quality breakdown and analysis...Cheers👍

Kiwi here, played club rugby before rugby went pro beside and against ABs of the time. England are looking great, I thought they outplayed the ABs last week, I agree they should have won. When I watch rugby at the start of the match I watch who dominates the gain line and predict with 80% accuracy who will win I see it you called it Tim. There was also cutting incisive running, great team to watch, as you say layering on attacking play. I am a huge fan of Itoge, he is always a thorn in the ABs side. Then the ABs should improve more than England, new coach and a team who needs to adjust to the step up in speed and hits at test match level. Razor has shown faith in last weeks team. You had a question mark over centre, I would have selected ALB to start, then Ione covering wing and mid field. ALB better suits those tight conditions he is very tricky runner. NZ will be more used to the ref, last week’s ref was consistent and even but strange. The ABs will be better in the line out and should not make the same counter rucking mistakes. So for me it’s hard to call like you the second test should be banger. I call another marginal win to the ABs.

As a South African Im scared of England they are looking very good. Beat. The English Bulldog is showing its bite again.

Tim! Camping in our landys on the beach behind you! :) how epic! So glad you’ve enjoyed SA - looks like you’ve had a wonderful time and met a great bunch of people

Springbok fan here: agree 100% on England! Looking really promising.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves but I’m trying to guard my expectations for this week in Eden Park… I could see us sneaking a win but I could also see the AB’s putting in a real performance. If AB’s get off to a flyer and gap England we could fade at the end of a 11 month season, and no one could blame them. I’m hoping that’s not the case and we see another great test!

The ABs first game of the year, they looked rusty and it showed in some of the mistakes they made. Expect the performance to improve about 30% in Auckland, though England also have room for improvement. In simple terms, the ABs first game of the year is always their worse, things will click into place in game 2. Why on earth they didn't organise a game prior to England is a mystery, but no doubt the Kiwi coach has his agenda. Unfortunately a fully firing AB outfit with things to prove are in Oz's near future, not looking forward to that to be honest, but hey we might squeak a win over the Argies .... or not.

Hi Tim, My name is Ayrton Lakay, and I am the founder of the Overberg Dragons Rugby Club. I recently watched your video about the amateur league structures in England and was inspired by your insights. I share your passion for highlighting amateur leagues and believe that digital technologies and fan engagement can significantly elevate these leagues. At Overberg Dragons, we aim to merge the thrill of rugby with cutting-edge digital engagement. Our club is committed to demonstrating to clubs in the Boland region, and across South Africa, how to effectively utilize digital technologies and enhance fan engagement. This approach not only strengthens club operations but also provides avenues for monetization through innovative technology The Overberg Dragons Rugby Club will be based in the Overberg region of the Boland province in South Africa. The Boland boasts the highest concentration of rugby clubs in the country, with over 200 clubs competing each weekend. Our goal is to leverage this vibrant rugby culture and showcase how digital integration can revolutionize amateur rugby Thank you for your time, and I look forward to any opportunity to discuss this further and potentially collaborate. Best regards, Ayrton Lakay Founder, Overberg Dragons Rugby Club

International rugby is in a very good place at the moment. England is back. Just need the ausies to come onboard as well.

I think borthwick might have something good going on. The English were very good, better than I thought. Def need some work but they had me scared for sure! Looking forward to another banger

Wow. I didn’t realize England had totally dominated all facets of the game until I watched this video. It was a dream come true to for the scrub ABs to have the privilege of being on the same field as the dominant English 🙄

Saffa here supporting Felix Jones and you but got to support All Blacks all the way after Boks and Ireland close third

Anyone’s game to win tbh. I do however, have great hopes for the future of NZ rugby under Razor. He’s shown he’s adaptable. That he can create changes mid game that nugget out a win. And, that’s after just two weeks together, in their first game. With more time, great things seem probable. England, have found a winning formula, cementing them as a threat to anyone. Idk, who will win next, other than international rugby

Let's get this man to 100k before the end of his trip

I said sometime ago that at the next world cup England will be in the world cup final.

A specialist center pairing is definitely an area of great need for the AB's, and has been for a while now. Since they let Ngani Laumape go, they haven't had a world class 12, and since Conrad retired, there hasn't been a world class 13.

AB’s not on top of their game yet. England played very well last week but they need to beware of AB’s hitting their straps then it will be a massive defeat against them.

The difference last week was the ABs scrum dominance and bench. It's a good question you raise about Rieko, as many punters believe Proctor would likely bring more creativity at Centre but Rieko has pedigree and experience at this level, though there is a nagging feeling in NZ that he hasn't quite nailed the Centre role. Proctor is certainly one to watch, and will likely get an opportunity against Fiji.

Like everyone I’ve been watching rugby for many decades, this maybe the strongest most even international rugby I’ve seen in my life. Instead of 1 or 2 teams, genuinely 5 great teams being developed and with Smit with Australia 6 contenders at the next World Cup. Last one was super competitive. Long may it continue. AB fans will expect 20plus on the weekend, but if England keep it within a score again, I’d say super successful campaign. Normally All Black teams, bring something different in the second test. Let’s see the adjustments from both teams. I can’t see England winning but I hope they believe...I can’t. Lol

I do love that England looks great, but also excited for the AB's being able to beat them with what they considered quite a poor performance. They looked very dislocated but like the old AB's managed to find a way. I'm pretty confident the AB's will only get better from here... Include Will Jordan, Roigard and possibly Richie Mo, that will be a weaponised team.

I watched the NZ England game twice now and England is definitely building something special. I will always support southern hemisphere, but i kind of hope England wins!

England definitely improving and becoming a huge factor on the international scene again.However playing the All Blacks at Eden Park arguably the most difficult fixture in the world of rugby.

Certainly something to loo forward to. I warned by Kiwi brother that England had some players to watch out for in C-S and F-I and he was impressed by them both. They appear to be playing what's in front of them and thinking on their feet rather than implementing a pre-defined game plan. I'd like to see a bit more of Fin Smith this weekend!

Yip, big question marks over Reiko Iaone, he hasn't really nailed that spot since moving there. Billy Proctor to replace him and hopefully gets a run out v Fiji to show his credentials. Jordie Barrett is questionable at 2nd five as well.

I'm a big fan of Marcus Smith. I read a lot of negative comments about him, usually "he can't tackle". He can and does tackle with heart and soul, but sometimes comes off second best because of his size.

As a Scot I hate to say it but England are looking good...but are getting pumped this weekend

As a kiwi the main concern that most people I’ve spoken to have is around halfback. You can run a lap around the field before Christie even makes it to the ruck. Counting the days until Cam Roigard is fit to play!

Salt Rock, one of the best places to visit in Durban! Enjoy Tim..

Kiwi been watching the ll Blacks since 1970. This is not the worst AB's team by any margin and they have a nice mix of experience and youth. They also have a coach that is appreciated by the whole of NZ, he speaks like every rugby pundit in NZ does. The All Blacks will fly into the inferno for him. I think England will be soundly beaten this weekend.

Is it me or has George Martin just doubled in size?! He s a monster.

Nice you made it to the castle. ;)

From an Irish fan , England should have gained a ton of confidence from last week and no reason why they can't win this one, the AB's are far from their best with the new coach. good luck England on Saturday, make some history

You make good points. England's defence was epic. While D Mack is a genius when his team are going forward, he isn't great when they're not. Ricko was almost invisible and Anton deserves a start. But impact off the bench may be what the coaches are looking for. Let's not forget England, S.A. France, Oz, all have populations ten times that of NZ (and Scotland), not to mention money, so we do pretty well. Will NZ improve more than England? Was this England's best performance? It's a juicy proposition this weekend. I think England could create history. But, on the averages, percentages etc, one would have to call it to NZ by 10. (?) Maybe? Possibly? lol It's gonna be good.

AB’s by 20 at Eden park 🎉

Yes Tim, it is all down to mental toughness physically the teams are equally matched.

Neutral here , Saffaliving in NZ going to watch the game live , looking forward to the rush defense of Felix Jones with England and think this is going to be the game of the weekend , love your content 👍👍

As a ardent Springbok supporter i have always took a hard and critical look at the All Blacks. What always struck me was the depth of exceptional talent the All Blacks could muster. I was quite surprised last week to see a sub par All Black team by All Black standards. Yes it is the first game of the season and a new couch. They just did not give that extra spark and flair that one would expect from them. MacKenzie at no 10 did not impress and the tight 5 did not deliver, especially in the line outs. I think if England get themselves really motivated with a good game plan they can pull this upcoming test off with a nice win. To the old foe, sorry guys its just that i expect a lot more from the All Blacks.

"It got them to within 5 minutes of a WC final" If their run in was the same as SA's or NZ's they wouldnt have made the finals

Hi Tim , I find it interesting how every week social media is making sooooooo many predictions that dont matter & how many demands are made by the punters on what to expect.....After 1 week , we'll see what Razor has seen & what he conveys to the troops . Having won 7 supers , we saw what he did . That stat will not be beaten by any other super side. He exudes confidence . another interesting night of footy on sat nite . John

Tim i'm hoping you will make a rugby video live from a beach in england in the middle of winter with your shorts and T shirt on and compare it to South Africa. Maybe next years 6 nations or springboks end of year tour to UK in nov/ dec.

Beautiful spot...enjoy🙏

Jonah is my fav player of all time, that being said, it’s going to be another close one. The rush defence is out of the bag now, it’s game on. NZ by under 12.

Interesting analysis. Yes it was a good match for England but come on...ABs first match in 8 or months and people expected excellence? I think the ABs are just getting started.

It was a fantastic game to watch, and I was pleased with the development of the England team. Not surprised that New Zealand won the game, but (JUST IMHO as a POM!) I think a combination of England playing 'well' and NZ not having played for a while I think both teams will be playing better this weekend than they were last weekend, but I think the margin of improvement by NZ will be by a factor. Add 'Eden Park' into the mix, I'm expecting fireworks from the AB's. A great test (no pun) for England and I can imagine that the atmosphere in EP will be electric! If we run 'em close and sort the scrum out, I'll be pleased with the progress. Furbank is fantastic at Fullback, is Freddie Steward injured or not on form? I know he's awesome in the air but understand he needed to work on his attack? To have NZ vs Eng and SA vs Ire on the same day is just such a treat to watch. Best of luck to both teams, hoping for no injuries to either side and desperately TRYING to get tickets for the return fixture at Twickenham for the Autumn internationals.

1st up efforts by the AB's are never great. This week will be a better guide on where they're at. The bench is a problem for England although the starters play well.

Love the comments and agree with you. I think that Jordie B is indispensible for the ABs. Would love to see ALBrown more involved and then maybe a DMac in a position like Willie le Roux for the boks. He has that x faxtor as well as game vision and spatial awareness. At the risk of being called out maybe Beuden B in at 10. Cheers and good luck to all the players involved in test rugby the weekend.

Squidse seem to agree with you. England is improving but because it's only Razor's first test the ABs also have a high sealing. Boks just wants to win everything this year 🇿🇦🏆

Kiwi in Sydney here. The Darkness Will Rise at Eden Park. As a Canes fan, would love to see Billy Proctor in the 23. Hopefully he starts vs Fiji in San Diego. PS, I agree, World Rugby needs a strong England and its wonderful to see their evolution/progression.

Good analysis as always mate, AB's got lucky in the 1st one, but England will need more than luck this weekend to win at Eden Park. I think 15 points, provided no red cards, will be the minimum Razor expects to win by. In saying that though, the AB's are a different beast without Aaron Smith, and we need to sort the rush defense out, it should have been solved years ago.

Completely agree with changing outside centre, I’ve been saying this for a while even as a Blues fan myself. Rieko falls off too many tackles and had not offered much in attack either

You are right, England most definitely ARE hard to beat! I hope they dont win on Sat but your optimism is well granted as they are very good atm. Goodluck both teams 🖤

England was so close to winning last weekend. Hope they win on Saturday.

England played very well, our locks were short of a gallop due to injuries. They will be better this week, and we have the professor wayne smith analysing for the Abs, he will provide ways to attack better. 27 to 15 to the Abs for me.

Great video

As a NZer, l think you’re spot on regarding Jordie B and Ioane. Love the channel and your analysis across all the teams. 👍

How DARE you mention Henry slades left boot and not describe it as 'cultured'. You and I both know that left boots are known as the cultured left boot.

Thanks.

finally england coming out from the eddie jones shadow, thanks borthwick, can only get better!

England always have a big game in them. They are building nicely and should remain focused on the years ahead also building depth. Andy Bok supporter.

NZ win by 12+. As an SA supporter - in 40 years, I've lurned - there is nothing as dangerous as an SA or NZ that is underestimated.

Enjoy a beer at the George, love that place.

ABs have a few things to sort out. Need Jordan back as the long term 15. Need Roigard back as the long term 9. Either Ratima or Hotham to step up as the bench halfback. We need to decide who our 13 is. And we need to settle on the loose forwards. Is Ardie a 7 or an 8?Is Sititi the big body we have been searching for? Who will be our Kaino at 6? And is that person tall enough?Then next year hopefully add Holland as a lock. And most of all we need Richie back from Japan. It’s speculated there are moves to get this done sooner rather than later.

Is that James Louw taking a selfie in the background😀😀

Must say me to, Tim with his honest reporing made me see England ruby in a differnt ways. Will support England . Hope for n win for England on saturday. My prediction. England 25 New Zealand 24.

Ioane just needs to be dropped period atm. Hasn't been in form all year. Start ALB, then create a 6-2 bench with Ratima and BB the only backs required. Then load up with an extra forward to get over the gainline in the final quarter.

Under Eddie Jones we plumbed the absolute pits of rugby performance …so yes I’m more optimistic, but we have an awful long way to go to get back to the summit. This weekend - can’t see us winning with our front row resources stretched so thin

What NZ miss at 12 is a player like Ngani Laumape who can give better go forward ball despite the blitz defense. England have been great.

great video

You failed to mention seasonality- nz are mid season building up fitness & skills etc - England are total end of season- usually the other way around when nz tours up north- very very hard for players to maintain the same level year round

FYI, it’s the middle of winter in Durban.