By Bryn Palmer

Jack has won three of his four Tests against England

New Zealand lock Chris Jack expects England's forwards to provide the All Blacks with a bruising examination of their World Cup credentials on Sunday.

The tourists triumphed 23-19 last year at Twickenham, one of 15 straight wins.

"England always put out a very strong pack. We know we are in for a bruiser," Jack said. "We have to be ready for it.

"England have a lot to prove and I am sure they will come out firing. They might not have everyone available but we are honestly ready for a battle."

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Jack, a veteran of 55 Tests, will confront some familiar opponents in the second-row contest, with the experienced Danny Grewcock and Ben Kay in the England engine room.

"They are probably two of the most experienced locks in world rugby," noted Jack.

We are still only a work in progress NZ number eight Rodney So'oialo

"They have both played for the Lions, they have been around for a while, they know what they are doing.

"Grewcock is a very physical player and Kay is pretty clued up, so they are a good combination."

Jack's own combination with Ali Williams is also well established, although the giant Jason Eaton, the recalled Keith Robinson and the athletic James Ryan are also among the tourists' second-row options.

The All Blacks have won consecutive Tri-Nations titles, enjoyed a 'grand slam' tour of Britain and Ireland last November, are ranked number one in the world and are favourites for the World Cup in France next year.

But despite head coach Graham Henry describing the next month as a "road test" for the World Cup, Jack insists results of their forthcoming four Tests are not the be-all and end-all.

The All Blacks enjoyed a light work-out on Monday

"The results are not necessarily the success for us," he added. "This is really a team getting together, moving forward and hopefully developing our game. The World Cup is still a long way away."

Number eight Rodney So'oialo, who anticipates a "very tough" encounter on Sunday, believes this All Blacks squad still has "huge" room for improvement.

"We are still only a work in progress," said the Samoa-born forward. "We can only get better.

"To do that people have to be willing to work hard, not only on the field but off it too, to make ourselves better people and a better team."

The 32-man squad flew in on Sunday, and enjoyed a light work-out on a west London playing field on Monday to blow away the cobwebs before the serious work starts.

Prop Neemia Tialata is the only confirmed non-starter for Sunday's Test as he continues his recovery from a calf tear.

Full-back Leon MacDonald's participation may also be delayed until the first of two Tests against France a week on Saturday, as he shakes off deep bruising to his knee.

Head coach Graham Henry will name his side on Wednesday.