Steve Borthwick has made just four changes to the starting XV from England’s July defeat to New Zealand ahead of Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks at Twickenham.
Staying true to his belief that continuity is vital for this England team, Borthwick has selected Henry Slade at outside centre after his return to fitness for Exeter in defeat to Harlequins last weekend.
That leaves Ben Spencer at scrum-half as one of only two changes to the backline from that 24-17 loss at Eden Park, beating Harry Randall and Jack van Poortvliet to the shirt with Alex Mitchell ruled out due to a neck injury.
George Furbank has also won the battle with Freddie Steward to start at No 15.
Among the forwards, Tom Curry is joined by Chandler Cunningham-South and Ben Earl in the back row, while Ellis Genge slots into an experienced front row with captain Jamie George and Bath’s Will Stuart.
On the bench, a 6-2 split is a clear sign of Borthwick’s game plan, while a late fitness call allows George Ford to make the matchday squad.
This is also the first time twins Ben and Tom Curry have been named in an England squad together.
“We’re excited for the challenge of playing against one of the best teams in world rugby,” Borthwick said.
“We’ll need to be accurate, keep our discipline, and maintain a level of intensity throughout the match, from the first whistle to the final moment.
“With just two games at Allianz Stadium in our last 15, it’s fantastic to be returning to play in front of our home crowd again. The energy and passion of our supporters always gives the team an extra lift.”
England starting XV and replacement to face New Zealand
- 15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)
- 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 6 caps)
- 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 65 caps)
- 12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 27 caps)
- 11. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)
- 10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 35 caps)
- 9. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 6 caps)
- 1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 62 caps) – vice-captain
- 2. Jamie George (Saracens, 93 caps) – captain
- 3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 41 caps)
- 4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 84 caps) – vice-captain
- 5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)
- 6. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 7 caps)
- 7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 53 caps)
- 8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 33 caps) – vice-captain
Replacements
- Theo Dan (Saracens, 14 caps)
- Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 2 caps)
- Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 115 caps)
- Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 11 caps)
- Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps)
- Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 17 caps)
- Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 7 caps)
- George Ford (Sale Sharks, 96 caps) – vice captain
