England head coach Steve Borthwick has rolled the dice, making seven strategic changes to his squad for the upcoming clash against the All Blacks. Following victories against Australia and Fiji, England is on the brink of a 10-game winning streak if they can overcome New Zealand this weekend.
The team sees a mix of returning players and shifts in position to maximize their strengths. Notably, George Ford steps back into the spotlight as the starting fly-half, a crucial switch from Fin Smith who held the position previously. The combination of Freddie Steward, Tom Roebuck, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso promises to bring dynamism to the back three, especially with Roebuck stepping in for the injured Tommy Freeman.
In the pack, Ben Earl takes on the number eight jersey again, flanked by Sam Underhill and the impressive Guy Pepper. Alex Coles and Maro Itoje, who captains the team, will hold the fort in the second row. The front row remains solid with Joe Heyes, Jamie George, and Fin Baxter.
On the bench, England opts for a heavy forward presence with a 6/2 split, featuring the likes of Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, and Tom Curry, ensuring fresh legs and high impact in the later stages of the game.
"I’m pleased with the progress we are making,"
Borthwick commented, adding,
"Without doubt, New Zealand are one of the best teams in the world and facing them is always a special challenge."
The atmosphere at Allianz Stadium is anticipated to be electric, with a full house expected. Borthwick emphasized the significance of the fan support, which has been a backbone of their current series success. This weekend, England aims to not just play, but to dominate, echoing the roaring support from the stands.
England Starting XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Alex Coles, 4 Maro Itoje (C), 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George, 1 Fin Baxter.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith.
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England head coach Steve Borthwick has rolled the dice, making seven strategic changes to his squad for the upcoming clash against the All Blacks. Following victories against Australia and Fiji, England is on the brink of a 10-game winning streak if they can overcome New Zealand this weekend.
The team sees a mix of returning players and shifts in position to maximize their strengths. Notably, George Ford steps back into the spotlight as the starting fly-half, a crucial switch from Fin Smith who held the position previously. The combination of Freddie Steward, Tom Roebuck, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso promises to bring dynamism to the back three, especially with Roebuck stepping in for the injured Tommy Freeman.
In the pack, Ben Earl takes on the number eight jersey again, flanked by Sam Underhill and the impressive Guy Pepper. Alex Coles and Maro Itoje, who captains the team, will hold the fort in the second row. The front row remains solid with Joe Heyes, Jamie George, and Fin Baxter.
On the bench, England opts for a heavy forward presence with a 6/2 split, featuring the likes of Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, and Tom Curry, ensuring fresh legs and high impact in the later stages of the game.
"I’m pleased with the progress we are making,"
Borthwick commented, adding,"Without doubt, New Zealand are one of the best teams in the world and facing them is always a special challenge."
The atmosphere at Allianz Stadium is anticipated to be electric, with a full house expected. Borthwick emphasized the significance of the fan support, which has been a backbone of their current series success. This weekend, England aims to not just play, but to dominate, echoing the roaring support from the stands.
England Starting XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Alex Coles, 4 Maro Itoje (C), 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George, 1 Fin Baxter.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith.