England have announced their team early for the first Test against the All Blacks in Dunedin, with two changes to the starting XV and two potential debutants on the bench. Props Joe Marler and Will Stuart have been selected in the front row, while Fin Baxter and Ollie Sleightholme could win their first caps as replacements. Dan Cole will equal Jason Leonard’s record as England’s most capped male forward.
Coach Steve Borthwick has opted for a traditional 5-3 split on the bench, maintaining Marcus Smith as the starting fly-half in a bid to showcase their attacking prowess. Seven players from the 2019 World Cup semi-final victory over New Zealand are included in the squad. England have a decent record against the All Blacks in recent years, with a draw in 2022 and a win in 2019.
Borthwick expressed confidence in his team’s ability to take on the challenge of playing the All Blacks on their home turf, emphasizing the importance of mindset, tactical astuteness, and discipline. The match will be held at the Forsyth Barr Stadium with a closed roof, promising a special atmosphere. New Zealand will confirm their lineup on Thursday.
The England XV for Saturday’s match includes George Furbank, Isaiya Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Theo Freeman, Marcus Smith, and Alex Mitchell in the starting lineup, with Tom Curry, Ben Earl, and Sam Underhill in the forward pack. The replacements feature young talents like Fin Baxter and Ollie Sleightholme, alongside experienced players like Dan Cole and Ben Spencer.
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