Ben Youngs is backing his old England pals to upset the odds and “do something special” in the All Blacks backyard.
The scrum-half admits it is going to be so tough for his former team-mates to improve on their dismal record of never winning a Test series there.
However, the Leicester Tigers scrum-half feels the “vibes” are good on Steve Borthwick’s men being able to shock their rivals in Dunedin this weekend.
Youngs, who retired after the World Cup as England men’s most capped player with 127, feels they can take the momentum gained from a strong finish to the Six Nations and then the fine win over Japan last weekend into the opening clash.
Also the fact New Zealand are in a transition period with a new coach in Scott Robertson and with some fresh faces in their squad, will go in England’s favour.
They have only won two Tests on All Blacks territory in 1973 and 2003 but Youngs is upbeat about the prospects of improving on that record and says: “History shows just how tough it is to get anything over there. Along with South Africa, New Zealand is the toughest of the summer tours. You have to earn it big time.
“But I have a good feeling about the team at the moment. It is in a good place and I certainly believe they can enjoy a strong tour. You get strong vibes by the way they are heading that winning at least one of the two Tests is certainly possible, as well as giving themselves a good chance to win the series.
“You need to be right on things from the start and until the very end. You can’t afford to take your foot off the gas or let your levels fall for a moment because you will suffer for it.
Hopeful: Ben Youngs playing for Leicester
“But I feel England can do something special against the All Blacks. I have a good feeling about the two Tests and there is no reason why they can’t do something unbelievable there.
“The Japan game has broken up the flight and has put minutes under their belt. There were some excellent individual performances as well as a very good team one. The fact they will be going into the opening game with New Zealand with time on the pitch and having built up combinations is key. New Zealand have not played since the World Cup Final, and may be their combinations may not be as slick.
“England have shown good form with those performances against Ireland and France in the Six Nations. They have now had another good win against Japan and are in a good spot leading into the opening Test.”
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