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- Author, Chris Jones
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England head coach Steve Borthwick said there is no bigger challenge than playing the All Blacks in New Zealand after naming his side for Saturday’s first Test in Dunedin.
Joe Marler and Will Stuart come in at prop as Borthwick makes two changes to the team that started the 52-17 win over Japan a fortnight ago.
Meanwhile prop Fin Baxter and wing Ollie Sleightholme are set to make their England debuts from the bench.
“The players want to test themselves against the best teams around,” Borthwick told BBC Sport.
“We have incredible respect for New Zealand, but at the same time we have focused on ourselves and on what we need to do.
“I hope the players when they pull on the shirt on Saturday night, so excited for this brilliant Test match, feel energised, inspired and ready to bring their strengths and talent onto the pitch.”
Stuart’s promotion to the run-on side means Dan Cole is set to win his 114th cap as a replacement, equalling Jason Leonard’s total.
Bevan Rodd drops out of the 23, with Marler winning his 95th cap and fellow Harlequin Baxter set for his first cap at the age of 22.
“Fin has been excellent all season for Harlequins, and has had a bit more time with us in camp now,” Borthwick said.
“I am looking forward to seeing him coming off the bench on Saturday.”
Smith backed to start again at 10
The backline is unchanged from the win in Tokyo, with Marcus Smith retaining the fly-half shirt after starring against the Blossoms, and Northampton’s Premiership title winner Fin Smith among the replacements.
“We know the quality Marcus has as a player, everyone sees it,” Borthwick added.
“He is now an experienced international 10. He will continue to bring his point of difference onto the pitch.
“And having spent more time training with Alex Mitchell, more time training with Mitch and Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade, I’ve seen that whole partnership develop.
“That cohesion and consistency of players playing together is something we have to try and maximise.
“Having Marcus to start the game, and a player of the calibre of Fin Smith to finish the game, that is an enviable position.”
Along with the uncapped Baxter and Sleightholme, lock Alex Coles and Ben Spencer also come into the matchday squad.
Northampton wing Sleightholme, son of former England wing Jon, enjoyed a standout season for the Saints, topping the league’s try-scoring charts including a solo effort in the final against Bath.
“He is a player who has benefited from a bit more time in camp. He’s looked really good in training, and he clearly has a point of difference in that he understands how to get to the try line,” Borthwick added.
New look All Blacks
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The All Blacks haven’t played since the Rugby World Cup final in late October, and have since changed head coach with Scott Robertson replacing Ian Foster.
A host of key players have also retired from international rugby, such as modern-day greats Sam Whitelock, Dane Coles, Brodie Retallick and Aaron Smith.
However Borthwick expects some pillars of New Zealand rugby to remain regardless of the transitional nature of the All Blacks.
“There are certain things you always know with a New Zealand team,” said Borthwick.
“They are going to have pace, power, skill and incredible talent. You see that when you look at their squad, and you look at the coaching team and you see a high calibre of coaching team who have worked together a lot.
“We are expecting a really well-prepared New Zealand team and a really intense Test match in Dunedin.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
