Odds of no concern for Robshaw

A heavy defeat has been scripted for Stuart Lancaster’s 8-1 underdogs, who enter the first Test without any players from Aviva Premiership finalists Northampton and Saracens.

In addition, British and Irish Lions Tom Croft, Alex Corbisiero, Dan Cole and Mako Vunipola have been lost to injury or the need to recuperate this summer.

With their playing resources substantially weakened, England must man the barricades at a venue where the All Blacks – who are chasing a 15th successive victory – have won every match they have contested for 20 years.

“The odds seem to be stacked against any team that comes to New Zealand, if you look at previous series over the years,” said Robshaw, England’s captain.

“But, in saying that, there’s a huge opportunity for us – for a team to go out there and defy those odds.”

London Welsh booked a quickfire Aviva Premiership return after condemning Bristol to another season in English rugby’s second tier.

The Exiles took a 19-point advantage with them into the Championship final second leg, and Welsh prevailed on the night 21-20.