New Zealand team to play England: Autumn Nations Series
10/31/2024 09:48 AM
Scott Robertson has named his New Zealand team to play England in their Autumn Nations Series opener in Twickenham.
England boss Steve Borthwick named his England team to play All Blacks two days early on Tuesday.
Beauden Barrett has been selected over Damian McKenzie to start at fly-half for the All Blacks. This will be Barrett's second start in the number 10 jersey this season, having only featured once in the position during the Rugby Championship, where McKenzie led the team through the first five matches.
A two-time World Player of the Year, Barrett spent much of the year on sabbatical, playing for Japanese club Toyota Verblitz before rejoining the All Blacks. Meanwhile, his brother, Jordie Barrett, returns from injury to slot into the midfield, replacing Anton Lienert-Brown. Tamaiti Williams is one of only three players retained from last week’s win over Japan, holding his place at loose-head prop.
At scrum-half, Cortez Ratima earns the starting spot, with Cam Roigard and McKenzie named on the bench. Scott Barrett will captain the side from the second row, joined in the back row by Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, and Wallace Sititi, who earns his seventh cap.
Head coach Scott Robertson expressed anticipation for the encounter, saying, "While we've faced England twice this year already, four months is a long time in rugby, and both teams have evolved since July's meeting in New Zealand. Twickenham is an iconic ground with a unique atmosphere. We're ready to meet the challenge head-on, especially with the Hillary Shield at stake."
New Zealand team to play England:
New Zealand: W Jordan; M Tele'a, R Ioane, J Barrett, C Clarke; B Barrett, Cortez Ratima; T Williams, C Taylor, T Lomax, S Barrett (capt), T Vaa'i, W Sititi, S Cane, A Savea.
Replacements: A Aumua, O Tu'ungafasi, P Tosi, P Tuipulotu, S Finau, C Roigard, A Lienert-Brown, D McKenzie.
Can you name the 20 most capped rugby players for England?
Test your knowledge and see if you can name the top 20 players who hold the record for the most international caps for England. Get ready to dive into England rugby history—let’s see if you have what it takes to remember the legends who've played the most matches!
Caps are correct on 31st October 2024.
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