England v New Zealand, Saturday 27 October, 2pm, BBC One/HD (CH 101/108). Also available for 30 days in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer

Three Tests. Two proud nations. One explosive rugby league series. England and New Zealand are about to go head to head for the Baskerville Shield, with the drama kicking off at Hull’s KCOM Stadium this Saturday.

After reaching last year’s World Cup final, Wayne Bennett’s England are expected to push on with a series win against one of the world’s best teams. And having beaten New Zealand 36-18 in a one-off clash in Denver back in June, the home side definitely has the momentum going into the opening match.

The hosts have a wealth of talent at their disposal, including Sam Tomkins and Sean O’Loughlin (who both helped Wigan Warriors win this month’s Super League Grand Final), experienced prop James Graham, and Huddersfield Giants’ powerful wing Jermaine McGillvary. These stars have delivered plenty of times before for their country, but can they handle the pressure against a new-look New Zealand?

With new coach Michael Maguire at the helm, and their shock 2017 World Cup quarter-final exit a distant memory, the visitors are looking towards a bright future that they hope will start with an impressive series victory on English soil.

It’s all set up to be a monumental scrap for supremacy. Don’t miss the opening Test of the series this Saturday, live on BBC One.