England have made seven changes to their starting XI for Saturday’s Autumn Nations series against New Zealand, with Finn Smith left out of the squad.
Captain Maro Itoje, George Ford, Jamie George, Freddie Steward, Tom Roebuck, Finn Baxter and Sam Underhill all returned to the starting XI after coming on as substitutes in the 38-18 win over Fiji.
Finn Smith started at fly-half last weekend but was completely absent from the squad facing the All Blacks due to the return of Ford, who started in the 25-7 win over Australia.
Ollie Chetham (foot) and Tommy Freeman (hamstring) were injured against Fiji and were absent.
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Sky Sports’ James Cole gives his verdict on England’s ninth win on the spin, physically defeating the Fijian team at Twickenham
England overcame their fear against Fiji to open the Autumn Nations Series with a come-from-behind victory and two wins in two matches.
Fiji led by six points in the first half, scoring three tries, but a try in the second half was also canceled, a score that could have made it a one-point game in the final quarter.
Head coach Steve Borthwick said ahead of the match against New Zealand that he was “pleased with our progress” as England aim for their first win against the All Blacks since 2012 at Twickenham.
“Without a doubt, New Zealand are one of the best teams in the world and playing against them is always a special challenge.
“Playing in front of a packed Allianz Stadium means a lot to our players. The support we’ve received throughout this series has been outstanding and we’re looking forward to cheering loudly again on Saturday.”
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England lock Alex Coles and attack coach Lee Blackett say the rest of the team were stunned and disappointed to see Joe Marler leave Traitors.
England will play Argentina next weekend in the final match of the Autumn Nations series.
“The team will have to dig very deep (against New Zealand),” Borthwick added.
“This team is going to have to go where there is pain and suffering because we have to keep going.
“This has to be the most selfless team performance England have produced because that is the strength of New Zealand.
“The players are going to have to give their all. We are now seeing more and more teams playing with heart.”
England national team plays against New Zealand
Starting XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Ollie Lawrence. 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Immanuel Faye-Waboso, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell. 1 Finn Baxter, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Hayes, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Alex Coles, 6 Guy Pepper, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Ben Earl.
Substitutes: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stewart, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith.
England Autumn Nations Series Schedule
November 1st
England 25-7 Australia – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
November 8th
England 30-24 Fiji – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
November 15th
England vs New Zealand – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (3:10pm)
November 23rd
England vs Argentina – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (4.10pm)
