Ahead of the inaugural rugby test against New Zealand, England has implemented a series of changes to their roster, enlisting the services of props Joe Marler and Will Stuart. The much-anticipated match is scheduled to take place in Dunedin on Saturday.
Marler and Stuart will be replacing Bevan Rodd and Dan Cole, both of whom contributed to England’s commanding 52-17 triumph over Japan in Tokyo last weekend. Cole, who is poised to partake in his 114th test, is set to make a return to play from the bench, potentially ascending to become England’s second most-capped men’s player, alongside Jason Leonard.
In the interim, newcomers Fin Baxter and Ollie Sleighthole are primed to embark on their test debuts from the bench. Additionally, Alex Coles has been summoned to take the place of the suspended Charlie Ewels, with Ben Spencer assuming a position among the reserves in lieu of Harry Randall.
For Stuart, squaring off against the All Blacks is not uncharted territory, as he previously exhibited his prowess by notching two tries in a 25-25 draw during their previous encounter at Twickenham in November 2022. The current lineup retains a total of seven players from the victorious England team that overcame New Zealand 19-7 in the 2019 World Cup semifinals.
England coach Steve Borthwick has expressed the team’s enthusiasm to confront the formidable challenge of competing against New Zealand on their home turf, underscoring the desire to gain deeper insights into their capabilities and to test themselves against one of the world’s premier teams. Borthwick has also emphasised the critical significance of a resolute mindset, strategic gameplay, and upholding discipline during the forthcoming match.
When unveiling the team lineup, Borthwick opted against a 6-2 split of forwards and backs on the bench, a decision that is poised to generate speculation among fans and analysts in the lead-up to the match. Notably, Marcus Smith continues to occupy the flyhalf position, with the dynamic winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso solidifying a place in the backline.
England’s historical record against the All Blacks in New Zealand has proven to be arduous, with their most recent victory on New Zealand soil dating back to 2003. The forthcoming test is anticipated to culminate in an enthralling and hard-fought clash between two formidable teams.
England’s Lineup:
– 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 (captain)
– Joe Marler
Reserves:
– Theo Dan
– Fin Baxter
– Dan Cole
– Alex Coles
– Tom Curry
– Ben Spencer
– Fin Smith
– Ollie Sleightholme
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