By WYNNE GRAY
Former All Blacks skipper Sean Fitzpatrick believes England, despite missing stars, will be a more formidable challenge than they were during the Six Nations.
England arrive at the end of the week, two days after the All Blacks squad is announced for the tests with England at Carisbrook and Eden Park.
"England could develop into a really strong side because they have chosen all the guys who deserve to be there," Fitzpatrick said.
"Some who have been rested like Will Greenwood and Jason Robinson have given these other guys a chance to make a point."
Some months ago as England failed to replicate their World Cup form in the Six Nations Fitzpatrick predicted there would be defections for this trip. Injury, fatigue and lack of motivation, he forecast, would see a rise in absenteeism from the regulars.
More retirements from senior players followed the initial exit of skipper Martin Johnson.
"But those they have picked are really the form guys," Fitzpatrick said. "There are obviously some players with injuries and some guys have been rested or told not to come but [Sir Clive] Woodward has picked a relatively strong side.
"I am sure Graham [Henry] and Smithy and Steve Hansen will appreciate the quality of a lot of those guys coming down. Especially the forwards - they are pretty strong in the tight five area anyway.
"Julian White is probably the best scrummaging tighthead up here at the moment. He will strengthen that area up and Steve Thompson is a huge man while Simon Shaw has played well for a time.
"Throw in Dallaglio, Hill and on the face of it, it is probably a stronger side than they put out in the Six Nations."
Fitzpatrick shifted to Britain this year where he commentated on the Six Nations series for the BBC.
He will commentate on England's series in New Zealand and Australia for the rival Sky channel. He will share the analysis with Michael Lynagh and Dewi Morris.
Fitzpatrick said he had not seen enough of the Super 12 to offer any deep insights. But he had heard Tana Umaga was the new skipper and that two props he knew well at the Blues were in the test frame.
Deacon Manu had been a strong addition to the Blues last season on the loosehead side and Kees Meeuws had shown his loosehead potential at the World Cup.
The former hooker was familiar with the multiskilled Keven Mealamu but had little knowledge of Andrew Hore.
"Obviously he is number one and must be going very well to keep some of those others out."
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