England vs. New Zealand: Key Battles to Watch at Twickenham

England welcome New Zealand to Twickenham on Saturday in a pulsating platform for both teams to open their autumn international series.

The hosts are seeking revenge for the 30-22 defeat suffered against the All Blacks this time a year ago and once again injuries stand to damage Stuart Lancaster's chance of surmounting the reigning Rugby World Cup champions.

Some battles this weekend will be familiar, while others are of an experimental nature involving unseasoned heads. Read on for a breakdown of the most promising man-to-man matchups leading into Saturday's Test. 

1. Kyle Eastmond vs. Sonny Bill Williams

Phil Walter/Getty Images

A head-to-head of athletically monstrous proportions, the prospect of seeing Kyle Eastmond face off against Sonny Bill Williams this weekend is the equivalent of several wrecking balls attempting to derail a moving train.

And just as hard as it is to predict who would win that matchup, Eastmond and Williams (should they both start) are likely to trade back and forth in the share of momentum.

Williams scored two of the All Blacks' 11 tries when making his return to international action against the United States last weekend but a corked thigh makes him a doubt for Twickenham, per ESPN Scrum. The centre is quoted as saying:

"I got a bit of a cork near my hip, I've had it before. At the start of the second-half I felt a tweak and then it got worse. I went to get a ball out of the back and I couldn't get a push off my leg. The doc is pretty upbeat about it."

Eastmond is being afforded (or rather has earned) another chance in Lancaster's ranks after showing some positive signs in New Zealand earlier this year, but his defensive aspects were sometimes shown to be lacking.

As salivating as the carrying collision between these two could be, it's true that support runners and the ability to keep up with any breaks made will decide their true impact.

2. Chris Robshaw vs. Richie McCaw

David Rogers/Getty Images

Chris Robshaw is only too pleased to have resumed his place as England captain for the upcoming international series, and the Harlequins figure faces a fellow leader in Richie McCaw once again.

This will be the third year in succession the pair have met under such conditions, each having played the full 80 minutes in their 2012 and 2013 autumn encounters, boasting one win apiece.

Ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup, this weekend's game stands to be something of a decider for the two then, with Robshaw telling BBC Radio 5 Live (h/t ESPN) of his delight to lead once again:

"

It's always a huge honour. It's something you grab with both hands and something you are extremely privileged to be doing. It wouldn't be the same if I didn't have the great support around me. The character of the squad is second to none, and I'm really looking to meeting up with the guys and kicking on.

"

Joe Marler did a fine job of leading Lancaster's men while Robshaw took his time out of the spotlight, and McCaw stands to give the flanker a tough reintroduction.

The tag of captain only adds more pressure to perform with as much as, if not more, energy than any other, but that stands to be a given in this dogged pitch-wide battle in any case.

3. Owen Farrell vs. Dan Carter

Phil Walter/Getty Images

Only recently turned 23 and already Own Farrell is poised to face New Zealand for the third autumn international in a row, the sternest test imaginable for any figure, old or young.

Dan Carter is a known opponent at this stage. He too has been part of the starting line-ups for their autumn meetings over the past two years but injury ended his contribution early in the 2013 clash.

Having come on for a cameo appearance in Chicago last week, the Canterbury puppeteer is ready to test Farrell's resolve once again. A seasoned and calming mind will be coming up against the younger, more impetuous disciple.

Farrell isn't long back from a quadricep injury himself, but he is ready for the upcoming Test, with Keely Lockhart of the Telegraph quoting the youngster as stating: "We obviously have a lot of respect for them [All Blacks]... we know they are a tough team and it's all about us making sure that we get a good performance in." 

Aaron Cruden is likely to come on for Steve Hansen's side at some point, irrespective of the circumstance, giving Carter a little more license to go all out in Saturday's clash.

Farrell, on the other hand, could do with an impressive display as he looks to assert his dominance over George Ford's contention, and his discipline needs to be kept in check. His playmaking talent is clearly not an issue in his case.

The All Blacks will likely focus on Farrell's aggression as a means of grabbing an advantage, and with a new centre partnership likely to make its debut, England need their fly-half at his most structured.

4. Courtney Lawes vs. Brodie Retallick

David Rogers/Getty Images

There aren't many second-row matchups in the world that have the same physical dimensions as the one likely to occur at Twickenham this weekend.

England pair Courtney Lawes and Dave Attwood will most probably line up against Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock. They are four bruisers on the ball and extremely mobile units, one and all.

That's by normal standards, never mind the fact that all four play in the second row. Among the quartet, Lawes and Retallick strike as holding the most potential to cause shock waves when rushing up from the fringes of every ruck and maul.

We'll also be watching to see which titanic presence can establish a foothold at the set piece, with Lawes champing at the bit to return to his place of set-piece coordinator, while Retallick has been unshakable at times in recent years.

5. Semesa Rokoduguni vs. Julian Savea

Phil Walter/Getty Images

The latest Bath talisman to weave his way into Lancaster's ranks is Semesa Rokoduguni, who has no easy start to life as an England international, potentially going up against world rugby's in-form man Julian Savea.

The All Blacks prodigy clinched two pedestrian tries against the United States last week to continue his prolific international record, and Fijian-born Rokoduguni has all the weapons to cause similar damage for England.

Physical attributes are what's being focused on here, with a Pacific Island battle of this nature likely to be decided largely on strength and speed alone, both of which this pair hold in surplus.

There's something to be said for the finer nuances, however. Each player will be relying on their centres to create space on the flanks, particularly with Rokoduguni lining up outside a new combination.

The Bath man's nerves could play a role, too, but for an active member of the British Army—Rokoduguni serves in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards—a debut at Twickenham should be no problem.