Dan Carter believes a rejuvenated Jonny Wilkinson will provide England's greatest threat at Twickenham on Saturday.

New Zealand assistant coach Steve Hansen has described the rivals' first showdown in national colours as a battle between the two finest fly-halves of the last decade.

They have met only twice before, during the 2005 Lions tour, with only the second Test placing them head to head in the number 10 jersey.

Carter confirmed his status as arguably rugby's greatest talent during the All Blacks' series whitewash, while Wilkinson - playing his first match since the 2003 World Cup final - struggled to make an impact.

Wilkinson's injury curse has restricted the number of meetings between the two but Carter has seen enough to understand what he adds to England's game.

"I've got so much respect for Jonny - he's a class player and is getting back to his best form," said the 27-year-old.

"Obviously he has had a pretty frustrating couple of years but I think he has bounced back extremely well from the challenges he's faced.

"He still poses a real threat to us. He's the player we have identified who can really steer and direct the English team around.

"He will punish you if you give away penalties in your own half because he's such a great goalkicker. We need to cut down his time and space.

"His physicality is the great strength of his game. He always gives 100% to the team and puts his body on the line."

A staggering succession of injuries prevented Wilkinson from playing for England between 2004-2006 but he has finally been restored to full health.

Moving to French club Toulon during the summer has revitalised the 30-year-old and Carter understands the benefit of moving abroad.

Signed on a highly-lucrative short-term contract by Perpignan, his time at the club was cut short only two months in when he suffered a ruptured Achilles.

But the experience taught the 64-cap All Black superstar, back after serving a one-match suspension for a high tackle, about the galvanising effect a change of scenery can have.

"It's pretty challenging playing a new competition. Sometimes in life you need a change in lifestyle and different challenges," he said.

"That's exactly what I was after with my French experience with Perpignan.

"There are some similarities with Jonny - a new lifestyle, a new challenge and a new team.

"He seems to be relishing it and I'm sure he will be a lot fresher because of it."

Unfortunately for England, Carter's truncated stay in France is bad news as the Crusaders outside-half has been invigorated by his enforced lay-off.

"It was a frustrating time for me in Perpignan but, if anything, it has really freshened me up. I have a lot of motivation right now," he said.

"A lot of players have had a pretty full-on season, (and are) coming to the end of it.

"But I feel fresh, I don't feel I'm at the end of my season. It's a real bonus for me, I have a lot of energy and am looking forward to the game."