Dean Richards has admitted England had no idea what to expect when they ran into New Zealand's force of nature winger Jonah Lomu in the 1995 World Cup semi-final.

It is more than 24 years since the then 20-year-old flyer wrecked English hopes in South Africa with a devastating display as the All Blacks surged into the final with a 45-29 victory in Cape Town.

On Saturday, the two sides will meet again at the same stage of the competition in Yokohama, a fixture which will rekindle painful memories for one of the men who wore the red rose that day.

"And to rub salt into the wound, Zinzan dropped a goal from the halfway line which, as a number eight, he's taking the p***, isn't he?

"Fair dos, I've always wanted to drop a goal from the halfway line, but to do it in a World Cup semi-final as well..."

Richards, now director of rugby at Newcastle Falcons, will be an armchair viewer this time around and is willing England to do what his generation was unable to in 1995.

Asked what Eddie Jones' team will have to do to win, he said: "Be accurate in everything they do.

"As soon as you drop off an attack or as soon as you throw a loose pass, they'll capitalise on all your errors, they really will, and you have to stand up physically as well. You can't take a backward step.

"England have to play and be at their best. I think they've picked a team that can beat the All Blacks and if they perform, then they can win."