Dallaglio demands more passion

'I'm not in the business of losing rugby matches'

England captain Lawrence Dallaglio has issued a rallying call to his deflated troops ahead of Saturday's meeting with New Zealand in Auckland, saying that the tourist must reclaim the respect they lost during the 36-3 debacle in Dunedin.

The world champions have made six changes to the XV that starting last weekend's game, but what Dallaglio really wants to see in his side is more passion.

"I'm not in the business of losing rugby matches, and haven't done so for the last 2 years," said the captain.

"We're in this together and have to accept the responsibility as England players. We're fortunate we have the opportunity to put it right, it's about us this weekend - we need to put our game together.

"I've been playing week in and week out with an energy and a passion that was clearly lacking amongst some of the players last weekend.

"It's down to every player to find that passion - they certainly need to be at that level this week."

Reflecting on last week's lost - England's heaviest in six years - Dallaglio was at pains to admit that England's fabled forward unit came off a distinct second-best to a young All Black pack.

"I don't like the word 'out-muscled' but I have to accept we were last weekend," he said.

"Maybe some of our players didn't expect what came at them, but it'll be different on Saturday.

"Clearly we're struggling a bit at the moment, but this team has to go through those tests. If we leave New Zealand with respect I'll be very happy but we haven't earned that respect yet."

Despite his acknowledgment of England's physical short-comings, Dallaglio feels that the battle at Eden Park will be more of a mental challenge. 

"We made too many mistakes last Saturday in Dunedin but we hope to pressurise the All Blacks this weekend," said the skipper.

"Most of the work to be done for this test is in players heads. People raise their game when they play England and the All Blacks did exactly that.

"But when we play rugby on the front foot even New Zealand can be put under pressure."