England youngsters must show their worth against All Blacks - Richard Hill

England go into Saturday’s First Test against New Zealand with a heavily depleted squad but Stuart Lancaster’s side can draw inspiration from an unlikely source.

In 2002 the All Blacks found themselves with a similar problem. They arrived at Twickenham without 21 senior players — including Richie McCaw, Aaron Mauger and Jerry Collins — and were forced to call upon new blood.

Taine Randall was captain at the time and he said in the build-up to the match: “England’s form has been very good and we’ll be the underdogs. We’ve just got to find something to substitute for our lack of experience.”

New Zealand lost 31-28 but the Test opened the door for a handful of All Black hopefuls. Their matchday squad included the uncapped Ali Williams, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore and Rodney So’oialo; a group that between them have since won 332 caps.

The England line-up included Richard Hill, who sees this summer’s series as a chance for some of our own tourists to make a name for themselves.

“There are some players who have not had the opportunity and will be gagging to show what they’re capable of ahead of the World Cup,” said Hill. “Even if you’re not playing, there are opportunities off the pitch to really show that you’re a strong character and this is where you deserve to be.

“If you don’t play in the First Test then your ambition has to be getting a run-out in Christchurch against the Crusaders [on June 17]. It would be a great opportunity for a wildcard to surface and give themselves a late run at the Test squad. “

Lancaster announced his First Test squad last night and it included two uncapped players in Harlequins hooker Joe Gray and Worcester full-back Chris Pennell and both will be hoping to make an impact from the bench.