The Newcastle captain suggested that England will have to be at their best to defeat John Mitchell's side, even if the All Blacks leave some of their experienced players at home.

BBC Sport Online reported in September that New Zealand were likely to give scrum-half Justin Marshall, fly-half Andrew Mehrtens and centre Tana Umaga a well-earned rest.

But Wilkinson suggested that the All Blacks remain one of rugby's toughest sides, regardless of who takes the field.

"New Zealand will be finalising their preparations for their trip to Europe in November," he wrote in his exclusive column for BBC Sport Online.

"If John Mitchell leaves his more experienced international stars at home, that's up to him.

"But as far as the English players are concerned, New Zealand are New Zealand, whichever XV takes the field.

"The reason why the All Blacks are so incredibly strong is because they have enormous depth to their talent base," he added.

"What they may lose in terms of experience, they will more than make up for in ambition. And that can sometimes be even more dangerous."