World Cup winner and former Leicester Tigers flanker Neil Back believes the return of star players is vital to England hopes of levelling the Test series against New Zealand.
Stuart Lancaster and his team suffered heartbreak in the first match as the All Blacks won 20-15 due to Conrad Smith's last-gasp try at Eden Park.
However, Back said the inclusion of players like Owen Farrell and Luther Burrell will significantly bolster the England line-up for tomorrow's second Test in Dunedin.
Back also believes the Test series is a crucial indication of England's chances for World Cup glory on home soil next year.
"This cluster of matches shows whether England can take the next step," he said on sports social network Sportlobster.com.
"We look to be heading in the right direction if we take the Six Nations into account.
"But, with the World Cup on the horizon, we need our big players to stand up and be counted."
He added: "Looking to tomorrow, the scale of the challenge changes.
"Last weekend was New Zealand's first match since November and they will have improved from the game-time.
"England must demonstrate they can also advance, which means picking the best players for the 23.
"If we are to have an accurate picture of our progress, we need our biggest players to take the game to the All Blacks."
Among the changes in the line-up, Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi is playing on the wing tomorrow.
As a result, New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden said the 23-year-old will be targeted and Back admitted slight concern over Tuilagi's shift in position.
He said: "Manu is fast, but isn't too fast. His playing style is built on so much more, but with the All Blacks' ability to move the ball quickly and create overlaps, his relative lack of pace may cost us.
"However, his defensive work often goes unappreciated. He boasts a rugby brain and is clearly a massive threat with ball in hand.
"Plus, his role on the wing opens up room for Burrell and Billy Twelvetrees to show their strength in the centre."
New Zealand will hope to replicate their June Test series of last year, where they thrashed France 30-0 in the second match after a tense opener.
However, Back believes England will have the resolve and determination to stay in touch with Steve Hansen's team once more.
He said: "This match promises a great deal. We will get more of an idea where New Zealand are, but we will also see if England can up their level.
"I certainly hope they can and I believe it will be another tight affair. These occasions are at the heart of why players want to represent their country.
"They want to test themselves against the very best and prove they have both the physical attributes and the mental strength."• Sportlobster is the sports social network bringing news, predictions, blogs, photos, videos and event scheduling into one online platform, customised to each fan's preferences.
