England’s highly anticipated match against the All Blacks is generating fervor as head coach Steve Borthwick implements significant changes to the front row. Joe Marler and Will Stuart have been selected to start in the first Test, displacing Bevan Rodd and Dan Cole for the clash in Dunedin.
Marler is poised to take over for Bevan Rodd at loosehead, while Stuart will assume the number three jersey instead of Dan Cole. This decision follows England’s 52-17 triumph over Japan, during which Rodd played for 44 minutes before being excluded from the 23-man squad for the All Blacks showdown.
The bench has also undergone a substantial transformation, with uncapped Fin Baxter chosen as cover over Bevan Rodd. Additionally, the seasoned 37-year-old, Dan Cole, is set to make his 114th Test appearance, placing him level with Jason Leonard as England’s second most capped player.
While the starting XV remains largely unchanged, the bench has experienced noteworthy adjustments. Notably, Alex Coles will substitute for Charlie Ewels, who received a two-match ban for a dangerous clear-out in the Japan match.
Furthermore, Marcus Smith will assume a more prominent role as the team’s playmaker, following his inspiring performance in the previous encounter with the All Blacks. Wigglesworth has expressed the team’s intention to prioritize continuity in their selection process by maintaining the core of the team together for an extended period.
The team’s lineup projects a stable composition, particularly in the backline, and there is a strategic plan in place to foster their growth and development as Test match players. They aim to imbue the shared experiences gained from facing formidable opponents like New Zealand with genuine significance.
Overall, the team is graced with talented players, notably Marcus Smith, who will lead the team as the fly-half. Wigglesworth has underlined Smith’s versatile skill set and the team’s aspiration to play a brand of English rugby characterized by a robust set-piece, effective use of the ball, and a strong kicking game.
In conclusion, England’s team is gearing up for an exhilarating match against the All Blacks, with an overhauled front row and a renewed sense of determination. The upcoming test promises to offer a captivating display of world-class rugby and a true examination of England’s talent and resilience.