The All Blacks captain Richie McCaw says his team is mindful of the 2012 drubbing they suffered at the hands of the English ahead of Sunday's Test at Twickenham.
Richie McCaw talks to media at McLean Park, 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand have since beaten the English four times, but McCaw says the 17-point defeat two years ago is still a sore point for the All Blacks.
The captain says that memory has reinforced to his side that Sunday morning's Test (3.30am NZT) will be a challenge for the All Blacks as they look to start their three-match tour of Britain on a winning note.
McCaw says his team hopes to back up their three-match Test series whitewash of the English earlier this year in New Zealand by beating England at home.
He went on dismiss speculation that Sunday's Test at Twickenham is a dress rehearsal for next year's World Cup final.
While acknowledging it was a possibility, McCaw pointed out that to presume your team will reach the final in 2015 was likely to result in an early exit from the tournament.
