JULY 6th, 2024 FORSYTH BARR STADIUM, DUNEDIN NZ
Steve Borthwick’s England side want to attack the All Blacks with ball in hand in Saturday’s opening test in Dunedin, and the coach has obliged by naming an unchanged backline from that which put Japan to the sword last time out.
England Set to Attack All Blacks with Unchanged Backline
Borthwick, happy to name his lineup on a Tuesday, two days earlier than the All Blacks, has made just two changes to his starting XV that laid the foundation for the 52-17 victory over Japan in Tokyo on June 22.
Prop Changes and Potential Debut for England Against All Blacks
Experienced props Joe Marler and Will Stuart, who came off the bench against Japan, are promoted to starting duty in the first of back-to-back July tests against the All Blacks, with veteran Dan Cole dropping to the reserves and the uncapped Fin Baxter coming in to cover loosehead.
Otherwise it’s an unchanged starting group, through Borthwick has also handed a potential first test cap to Northampton’s Ollie Sleightholme who covers the back three off the pine. Jamie George will again captain the side from hooker.
Consistent Line-up and Leadership for England
That means George Martin and Maro Itoje retain their formidable second-row combination and the loose trio of Ben Earl, Sam Underhill and New Zealand-born Chandler Cunningham-South remain intact. Tom Curry keeps his role as the impact back-row man.
Marcus Smith again combines with Alex Mitchell in the halves, Ollie Lawrence with Henry Slade in midfield, and the exciting young back three of George Furbank, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman get to continue their evolution.
Marcus Smith and Fin Smith Key to England’s Strategy
A highlight will be the importance of Marcus Smith and Fin Smith as a one-two punch at No 10.
Having two top quality flyhalves is an enviable position for the team to be in. Both have played really well this season. In top-level rugby union you need players to start the game well and players to come off the bench to finish the game super well.
I think consistency is important as they try and build this young team, in Auckland on Tuesday, prior to travelling South to Dunedin on Thursday. This new England team needs the players understanding each other and building those relationships between each other.
As far as the team’s evolution to a group more willing to play with ball in hand, the England coach indicated it was a process he remained committed to.
England
George Furbank, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman, Marcus Smith, Alex Mitchell; Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, Chandler Cunningham-South, George Martin, Maro Itoje, Will Stuart, Jamie George (capt), Joe Marler.Reserves. Theo Dan, Fin Baxter, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, Ollie Sleightholme.
Barrett Benched: All Blacks’ Bold Move Ahead of England Clash
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson’s decision to relegate Beauden Barrett to the reserves bench could test the character, and resolve, of multiple parties during the test against England on Saturday night.
Barrett, who started in the World Cup final against the Springboks in Paris in late October, may still have a lot to offer the All Blacks but, right now, he’s not considered the best fullback in New Zealand.
That honour has been bestowed upon Stephen Perofeta, who has just three test caps to his credit.
Although the starting side was predictable, and experienced, it was notable for the inclusion of halfback TJ Perenara and right wing Sevu Reece. Both were unavailable for the All Blacks last year because of knee and Achilles tendon injuries, respectively.
All Blacks
Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett (vc), Mark Tele’a, Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea (vc), Dalton Papali’i, Samipieni Finau, Patrick Tuipulotu, Scott Barrett (c), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot;
Reserves. Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett
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