New Zealand

Sonny Bill Williams featured among the tryscorers in Chicago © Getty Images

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Lesson dished out and cheque deposited, the All Blacks are preparing for the toughest task of their four-Test tour - their attention having narrowed to England perhaps even during the 74-6 clinic against the United States in Chicago on Saturday.

The All Blacks spent much of their Chicago week courting goodwill while generating commercial reward for their major US-based sponsor, AIG, but Sam Cane says they have now re-focused on trench warfare aspect of Test rugby as they prepare to play Twickenham on Saturday, when they face England in a match they accept carries 2015 Rugby World Cup relevance. He says good vibes from the US romp must flow into accurate mental preparation if they are to topple England for a fourth time this year following the 3-0 home sweep in June.

Twickenham carries significance as the ground will host five of seven play-off games at the World Cup next year - including both semi-finals and the final - and that suits the defending champion All Blacks, who are using this tour as a World Cup trial run.

"It'd be silly not think about the World Cup [this week], because we're going to be reading about it and we're going to be hearing a lot about it," Cane said. "It's better just to be open about it."

Cane was delighted to come through 80 minutes against the Eagles in Chicago, his first start in any game for six months, and hopes his form is enough to book a reserves bench spot on Saturday. he missed the June series against England due to injury, since playing Tests only off the bench behind captain Richie McCaw.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen couldn't fault the Chicago experience, aside from tour-ending injuries suffered by wing Cory Jane and hooker Nathan Harris at Soldier Field. He was pleased the ruthlessness of his players, and singled out bruising lock Patrick Tuipulotu and half-back TJ Perenara for unprompted praise after each made their first Test start in what was largely a second-choice combination.

"It was good for the confidence of the young players but what pleased me most was they stayed on task right through the 80 minutes," Hansen said. "They didn't loosen up and look for the soft options. We've set a good foundation now and the guys that come in a little bit fresher in England have no excuse not to perform."

Patrick Tuipulotu impressed Steve Hansen © Getty Images

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