Building on July: Robertson's All Blacks Primed for Twickenham

Coach Scott Robertson is looking forward to the All Blacks' third outing against England this year, knowing his side is 10 Tests better prepared for the contest at Twickenham on Sunday (NZT).

While they played each other in two Tests in July, Robertson said there were always differences in approach. They have absorbed what they saw in New Zealand, and since the England players returned home, they have seen them in the Premiership for their clubs.

"They've got some great shape. They've got some great outside backs, but there's also the tactical side and the territory. There are all those aspects, but you know they will play, and that's what we're here for.

"We know their strengths. We know what they can create with quick ball, and the little nuances that make them different, that's why they're in the England team. We understand what they bring, that's part of our preparation."

Robertson said the chosen halfback-five-eighths combination of Cortez Ratima and Beauden Barrett was the result of Ratima's excellent debut season.

"He's risen to every occasion and he's got a good, experienced 10 outside him. It's a good combination."

Barrett plays an instinctive game, whether out of his hands, off his foot or in his game management, and he knows how to get the side around the field.

"We believe he's the best one for this week."

"When we gave Beauden a crack he was great. Tactically, how this game's played, we know either of them [Barrett or Damian McKenzie] are awesome off the bench and with Beauden it's his chance."

It seemed that the All Blacks played England long ago, but it was only in July.

"They created a lot of opportunities in those first two games, and so did we, and we managed to finish a couple more than them.

"They're a good, balanced squad that are playing at home."

Comparing the July Tests and where he and the All Blacks are now, Robertson said they had 10 days before the first Test against England, and now they have played 10 Tests. They have gotten to know each other and put their processes in place.

"What I've learned is that every Test match has got its own little story. And this will be another on Saturday.

"You're learning on the job. You learn to understand, to trust the proces and trust yourself as a coach and what you prepared. Once you do that you can enjoy it a little more."

One of the features learned this year was the role of the bench.

"What we found is you need to get your balance right between experience and a little bit of youth. People that have been there before know when you come on you have to leave a good imprint. You have to get into the game straight away and execute."

The final stages of games are still a focus for the side.

"We've taken pressure off opponents because we haven't been able to put scoreboard pressure on or keep them down their end.

"When we get it right, we're a good team.

He also wants to maintain the positive results the set piece achieved in the July series.

"The scrum is one of our strengths. We like to use it positively.

Robertson said prop Ethan de Groot was not considered for a breach of internal standards. He will be available, if required, in Ireland next week.