Three legends of All Black rugby have forecast a torrid time for their country's forwards in this Saturday's clash with England.

Zinzan Brooke, Josh Kronfeld and Craig Dowd - New Zealand's most-capped players in their positions - were appearing at a charity event to raise cash for former NZ Maoris and London Irish star Jarrod Cunningham.

Jarrod is battling ALS, a form of the deadly Motor Neurone Disease.

Answering questions from hundreds of fans packed into the Walkabout bar in Shepherds Bush, the three men said they believed the match, the first between the two sides since the 1999 World Cup, would be won and lost up front.

Brooke, currently player coach at Coventry, told the audience: `I want New Zealand to win. If New Zealand can hold their forwards, which will be very, very difficult, they've got a chance.

`They have to absorb the atmosphere of playing at Twickenham, which many of these guys have not done before. If they can keep their heads and if they are within five or seven points at the end of the first half they may be able to let loose in the second.'

Kronfeld believes that if the forecast `cloudy' weather turns to rain, England will have the upper hand.

He said: `It's going to depend on the weather. If it's a poor day the English forwards will come into play and we will struggle.

`We can do it but it's whether we can get parity in the forwards. We will know in the first 10 or 15 minutes if we can win.'

Dowd admitted: `The England forwards are very strong. They have Australia the following week and no-one wants the axe. There is competition for all positions and they will be very tough up front.'

The evening, which also featured career recollections from Colin `Pinetree' Meads and was compered by ex-All Black full back John Gallagher, raised £2600 for the Jarrod Cunningham Salsa Foundation.

Next Tuesday (November 12), Walkabout hosts ex-Wallabies Tim Horan, Michael Lynagh and Rod Kafer on the same stage, with former Springboks Joel Stransky, Andre Vos, Pieter Roussow and Naka Drotske appearing the following Tuesday.