Victory matters at Twickenham - Mehrtens

New Zealand have selected a largely untested and inexperienced squad for their current tour of Europe, but veteran All Black Andrew Mehrtens believes victory in Saturday’s Test against England is vital ahead of the 2003 World Cup.

England have not beaten the Kiwis since 1993 but following a 30-16 loss to New Zealand at Twickenham in 1999, England have not lost in London, compiling a 15-match winning streak.

They can count victories over world champions Australia and South Africa in that time and go into Saturday’s match against the young Kiwis as favourites.

With New Zealand bringing 12 uncapped players to Europe and five making their debuts on Saturday, the impression has been that the All Blacks are more concerned with the 2003 World Cup than results on this tour, which includes matches against France and Wales.

But Mehrtens, who is expected to play a part on Saturday, said it was crucial to get a win and claim bragging rights ahead of next year.

He used this year’s Tri Nations as an example, when the All Blacks finally won a trophy back from Australia.

“I think it is important (to win on Saturday), it is a long time (before the World Cup) and a lot can happen in a year,” he said.

“But it is important and this year’s Tri Nations was important for that as well. For us to be able to get a trophy back against Australia was a huge boost.

“England have gone well the last couple of years. They have beaten Australia and South Africa over here so they are obviously looking to complete the sweep of the southern hemisphere nations and we are trying to redress the balance.”

New Zealand do still have some experience, particularly in the backline with the likes of Tana Umaga, Doug Howlett and Jonah Lomu all playing.

But it is up front where the All Blacks could struggle, with a host of fresh faces picked from New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC) clashing with a pack that includes the likes of England flanker Lawrence Dallaglio and captain Martin Johnson.

Mehrtens insists he is not concerned by the inexperience of New Zealand’s forwards.

“No, I’m not worried. I’ve seen these guys that are in the pack playing against me in NPC,” he said.

“And they have shown complete disregard for any big occasion or reputations and they have really gone about their work well.

“So I’m looking forward to seeing how they go. It’s always really exciting to see a new Test player.”

All Blacks coach John Mitchell admitted he did have one eye on next year, but the team was intent on winning on Saturday.

“There’s an eye on the bigger picture, but there’s also immediacy which we’re dealing with now,” he said.

“We don’t play England very often, this is a very unique occasion and a very special occasion and it will be treated with that kind of thing in mind.”