A depleted England appear to be ripe for the taking by a near full-strength All Blacks, who returned to the No. 1 world ranking this week.

The match features in the middle of a busy schedule, starting with Japan attempting to sweep Canada in their second test in Tokyo. Australia tries to rebound from the end of its grand slam dream by taking out its frustration on Scotland at Murrayfield, world champion South Africa seeks its first tour win at Italy's expense, Wales hosts Argentina, France welcomes Samoa, and Ireland meets Fiji.

The English scratched out a late 16-9 win over Argentina last weekend, after which manager Martin Johnson admitted his team deserved to be booed by their fans for their lack of basics and imagination. Johnson has spent the rest of the week defending against widespread criticism of his coaching staff's strategy and influence.

World Cup winners Josh Lewsey and Will Greenwood led the barrage, with Greenwood going so far as to call for Steve Borthwick to be replaced as captain.

But All Blacks coach Graham Henry believed the criticism will unite England.

"They were booed during the 2007 World Cup and ended up reaching the final," Henry said.

"They're inclined to come right when they play big games. Playing Argentina was very difficult for them. They were expected to win while Argentina had nothing to lose and those games are difficult when you're not clicking.

"They'll be on the edge of the edge on Saturday. We know that and have no false illusions, even if other people do."

Johnson brought back veteran forwards Simon Shaw and Joe Worsley and gave French-based midfielder Ayoola Erinle his first start opposite Ma'a Nonu to try and end a six-year drought against New Zealand.

The All Blacks' rugged defense has conceded only one try in tour wins over Australia, Wales and Italy, but their own lack of tries has kept their opponents hopeful longer than desired. The backline will be expected to fire with the return from a one-match suspension of flyhalf Dan Carter, who needs only two points to overtake Andrew Mehrtens as the All Blacks' greatest points-scorer in tests.

Ireland's last-minute converted try for a 20-20 draw last weekend ended Australia's grand slam hopes, but the chance of a rare unbeaten European campaign remains.

Only Dublin man of the match David Pocock was rested by the Wallabies, with former captain George Smith recalled to meet Scotland.

The Scots, unchanged from the 23-10 win over Fiji, haven't beaten the Wallabies in 16 tests since 1982.

"We can't worry about 27 years of history," Scotland's Australian-born lock Nathan Hines said.

"All we've got to worry about is the game at the weekend. History is history _ maybe we can make a little bit of our own."

South Africa should end a run of consecutive losses to France and clubs Leicester and Saracens at Udine against Italy. But a rash of injuries to frontrowers have given loosehead prop Wian du Preez his first test cap and Adriaan Strauss a start for injured hooker Bismarck du Plessis.

Prop Tendai Mtawarira and lock Victor Matfield will come off the bench, where they've been joined by Ulster prop BJ Botha, who was summoned for only his second test since winning the 2007 World Cup.

Wales has lost four of its last six matches against Argentina, but expects to put away a rebuilding Pumas side at Millennium Stadium.

The Pumas made only two changes from the loss to England, and Wales coach Warren Gatland doesn't believe their limited attack will pose much threat to the home side.

"Argentina are a dogged side. They are tough and physical, but they don't play a huge amount of rugby," Gatland said.

He brought in Ospreys lock Jonathan Thomas as a reserve on Thursday after Cardiff's Bradley Davies sprained an ankle in training. Also, fullback Morgan Stoddart was ruled out indefinitely with a torn hamstring.

France also had to make a late change, when No. 8 Louis Picamoles was ruled out of playing Samoa because of a knee injury in training and replaced at No. 8 by flanker Julien Bonnaire, whose position was filled by captain Thierry Dusautoir. France has changed almost the entire side from the 20-13 win over South Africa to rest the first-choice players for the All Blacks next week.

"We're taking a calculated risk," said coach Marc Lievremont.

Six Nations champion Ireland also made sweeping changes, but it has never lost to Fiji.