England’s Harlequins prop, Fin Baxter, is set to make his first start for the national team as he steps in for the injured Joe Marler in the second and final Test against New Zealand. This significant development comes as England endeavours to achieve a historic feat – becoming the first side to secure a victory at Eden Park in 30 years, with the aim of levelling the series.
Last Saturday, in the first Test in Dunedin, Baxter entered the game as a substitute following Marler’s foot injury. Joining him on the bench is Bevan Rodd, who is expected to play a vital role in the upcoming match. Meanwhile, Dan Cole is poised to make his 115th international appearance, positioning him as England’s second-most capped men’s player of all time, just after Ben Youngs.
England confronts the formidable challenge of attempting to defeat New Zealand at Eden Park, a stadium steeped in rugby history. Head coach Steve Borthwick has expressed his anticipation for another outstanding Test at the venue. He also acknowledged New Zealand’s formidable track record at Eden Park and the pressure of expectations that accompany it.
In a gesture of appreciation, Borthwick paid tribute to Dan Cole, acknowledging his unwavering dedication and determination throughout his career. Borthwick commended Cole’s extraordinary accomplishment and lauded him as a stellar rugby player and an exceptional role model.
For New Zealand, the sole change in the starting line-up is scrum-half Finlay Christie, who steps in for the injured TJ Perenara. In addition, uncapped player Cortez Ratima has been named as a substitute.
England’s line-up features George Furbank, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman, Marcus Smith, Alex Mitchell, Fin Baxter, Jamie George (captain), Will Stuart, Maro Itoje, George Martin, Chandler Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill, and Ben Earl. Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, and Ollie Sleightholme fill the substitute slots.
The highly anticipated second Test between New Zealand and England at Auckland’s Eden Park will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Action on Saturday, July 13, with kick-off slated for 8.05am. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness an exhilarating match between these two formidable teams.