Ashton wary of All Blacks' skill

England winger Chris Ashton is fully aware of the need to shut New Zealand down early ahead of Saturday's match at Twickenham.

England winger Chris Ashton is fully aware of the need to shut New Zealand down early ahead of Saturday's match at Twickenham.

Ashton was a try scorer in England's surprise 38-21 win over the All Blacks at Twickenham a year ago as Stuart Lancaster's side inflicted a rare loss on the world champions.

Now with New Zealand again targeting an unbeaten year having won 12 out of 12 matches so far, Ashton knows that any player from 1-15 can execute the necessary runs or passes to score against England – meaning Lancaster's team have to be fully on their toes.

Ashton has been under pressure for his place from Christian Wade after a string of uninspiring performances – having only scored three tries in his last 19 Tests.

“I have only had the luxury of playing against them twice,” said Ashton.

“The first time was my first game at Twickenham and we let them get a couple of tries in early and that was it.

“That could have been a hiding but we managed to get back into the game and it never turned out to be that way.

“Last December when we beat them 38-21 there was a little point in the game when they scored a couple of quick tries.

“You suddenly think the game has turned in their favour but we managed to get back on the front foot again.

“If you let them get on a roll like they do they will score tries all day. They seem to have that 20 minute blast and before you know it four tries have gone in.

“It doesn't matter if it's a wing or a prop, they can all catch and pass and score tries.”