New Zealand vs England Prediction and Betting Tips: Three picks for the clash in Dunedin

After beating Japan 52-17 in Tokyo last month, England's summer begins in earnest on Saturday when they face New Zealand in Dunedin. Read about our best bets below. 

Steve Borthwick has kept his promise to let his players express themselves and they will look to take the game to the All Blacks, who are embarking on a new era under coach Scott Robertson.

The teams that finished runners-up and third at last year's World Cup have lost some big names and the Kiwis' upheaval, combined with England's improvement, hints at a competitive clash at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

There's no doubt England are better under Borthwick and the players are clearly enjoying the freedom to figure things out on the field after the over-prescribed style that stunted them in the latter years of Eddie Jones' reign.

Tours to New Zealand and South Africa are the pinnacle of international rugby and the Red Rose will be looking to emulate Ireland's success against the Kiwis in 2022.

The Irish were further on in their development and for all of England's attacking advancements since grinding their way to third at last year's World Cup, victory in Dunedin or next Saturday's return in Auckland may prove a step too far.

New Zealand may be starting a new era, but it is worth remembering that after a tough build-up and opening to the tournament, a significant portion of their side went on to reach the final at last year's World Cup.

Although England will be rightly confident about causing the Kiwis issues, the hosts should just have enough.

Winger Sevu Reece's 12 tries in Super Rugby have earned him a recall and he has been praised by All Black attack coach Leon MacDonald for his determination to leave his flank and be involved in all facets of the game.

His 15 tries in 23 Tests is more than respectable and he is back after missing last year's World Cup due to a knee injury.

Reece was a rare shining light in the Crusaders' difficult first post-Robinson season and last year's setback will give him further motivation to shine on the international stage.

Look for him to pop up across the field and show the pace, footwork and nous that can break through England's defensive line.

Owen Farrell's exile and George Ford's injury have allowed Marcus Smith to claim the England fly-half berth, with Borthwick favouring him over Northampton youngster Fin Smith.

The Harlequins number 10 has featured at full-back over the last year, but is happier at first receiver, especially with a big ball-carrying centre outside him.

Ollie Lawrence will again be charged with punching holes and setting the platform for Smith to seek space in the wide channels.

The 25-year-old's try in Tokyo came from Lawrence's clever play, when the Bath man received the ball from a line-out before off-loading to Alex Mitchell, who found Smith and he danced through the dishevelled defence.

After also going over in his team's closing Six Nations defeat to France, he could cross for the third international in a row.