PREVIEW: All Blacks v England (Auckland)

The All Blacks head to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, after two close wins over England at home in July, but this London clash promises an even tougher test.

With recent encounters often decided by the slimmest of margins, both teams will be primed for another fierce battle in one of rugby’s greatest rivalries.

Match Details: All Blacks v England, Saturday 2 November, 3.10pm GMT (Sunday 3 November, 4.10am NZT), Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London.

Played: 45

Won: All Blacks 35, England 8, Drawn 2

Last time: 24-17, 13 July 2024, Eden Park, Auckland

Referee: Angus Gardner

FORTRESS TWICKENHAM

England Head Coach Steve Borthwick is eager to see his team take on the All Blacks at their traditional home. The last three clashes between England and New Zealand at Twickenham have all been decided by three points or less, including a thrilling 25-25 draw in 2022. "With just two games at Allianz Stadium in our last 15, it's fantastic to return to our home crowd. The energy and passion of our supporters always give the team an extra lift," Borthwick said.

CH, CH, CHANGES

The All Blacks side includes wholesale changes to the team that played Japan, with only three players retaining their spot for this week.  Tamaiti Williams will start again at loosehead prop and will be joined by Tyrel Lomax and Codie Taylor to form the front row. Hooker Asafo Aumua and props Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Pasilio Tosi will provide cover.   

Captain Scott Barrett will partner with Tupou Vaa’i at lock, with Patrick Tuipulotu in reserve. In the loose forwards, Wallace Sititi moves to blindside, Sam Cane remains at openside flanker and Ardie Savea enters the team at no. 8, while Samipeni Finau takes an impact role this week. Cortez Ratima and Cam Roigard will share the halfback duties with Ratima starting. Beauden Barrett will run the cutter at first five-eighth and brother Jordie Barrett returns from injury to play second five-eighth. Mark Tele’a and Caleb Clarke will take the wings, while Rieko Ioane starts at centre and Will Jordan at fullback.  Anton Lienert-Brown and Damian McKenzie will provide impact cover for the backs.

RAZOR’S WORD

All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said the team is fully aware of England’s strengths. "They've got some great shape. They've got some great outside backs, but there's also the tactical side and the territory. There are all those aspects, but you know they will play, and that's what we're here for. We know their strengths. We know what they can create with quick ball, and the little nuances that make them different, that's why they're in the England team. We understand what they bring, that's part of our preparation,” Robertson said.

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TEAMS (Test caps in brackets)

All Blacks 

1. Tamaiti Williams (15) 2.    Codie Taylor (93) 3.    Tyrel Lomax (40) 4. Scott Barrett (76) (Captain)  5. Tupou Vaa’i (34) 6. Wallace Sititi (6)  7. Sam Cane (101)  8. Ardie Savea (90) (Vice-Captain) 9. Cortez Ratima (8) 10. Beauden Barrett (131) 11. Caleb Clarke (25) 12.  Jordie Barrett (65) (Vice-Captain) 13. Rieko Ioane (77) 14. Mark Tele’a (16) 15. Will Jordan (37)  

Replacements: 16. Asafo Aumua (16) 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (64)18. Pasilio Tosi (4) 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (47) 20. Samipeni Finau (5) 21. Cam Roigard (6) 22. Anton Lienert-Brown (80) 23. Damian McKenzie (57)

England:

1. Ellis Genge (62) – vice-captain 2. Jamie George (93) – captain 3. Will Stuart (41) 4. Maro Itoje (84) – vice-captain 5. George Martin (15) 6. Chandler Cunningham-South (7) 7. Tom Curry (53) 8. Ben Earl (33) – vice-captain 9. Ben Spencer (6) 10. Marcus Smith (35) 11. Tommy Freeman (11) 12. Ollie Lawrence (27) 13. Henry Slade (65) 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (6) 15. George Furbank (11) 

Replacements: 16. Theo Dan (14) 17. Fin Baxter (2) 18. Dan Cole (115) 19. Nick Isiekwe (11) 20. Ben Curry (5) 21. Alex Dombrandt (17) 22. Harry Randall (7) 23. George Ford (96) – vice captain

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