All Blacks confirm side for England clash
- Dave Worsley
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
The All Blacks have named their team to face England on Sunday morning with a few subtle postiiton changes.
The front row remains unchanged from the previous two Northern Tour Tests and will bring formidable power, strength and technique in both the starting and replacement packs.
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Captain Scott Barrett returns from injury to resume his role at lock, while loose forward Simon Parker also re-enters the starting XV, meaning Josh Lord and Wallace Sititi will add their mpact to the bench.
In the midfield, Billy Proctor will pull on the No.13 jersey he has worn in seven Tests previously this year, and the experienced Anton Lienert-Brown will provide midfield cover for Proctor and starting second five-eighth Quinn Tupaea. Leicester Fainga'anuku shifts out to the wing after Caleb Clarke was ruled out with concussion.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said his team is ready for the challenge that England will inevitably bring with a big home crowd behind them.
“Twickenham is one of the iconic venues in world rugby and there is nothing quite like hearing 80,000 fans singing ‘Swing Low’ to get the adrenaline pumping. Recent games against England have been incredibly close-fought, and both teams are coming off a run of wins, so we are expecting an epic clash on Saturday afternoon. We will embrace the atmosphere and the occasion.”
The All Blacks have played England 46 times in total, for 36 wins, 2 draws and 8 losses since the 1905 ‘Originals’ beat the home side 15-0 at Crystal Palace in London.
Five of the last seven games between the two sides have been decided by 3 points or less.