In the upcoming second Test against New Zealand, England will see Fin Baxter make his starting debut this Saturday. The 22-year-old Harlequins prop, who already has one cap under his belt from an off the bench appearance in the initial 16-15 defeat Test match in Dunedin, steps in to replace the injured Joe Marler, his club companion.
A roster shift also welcomes Bevan Rodd to the bench, marking the only other squad change for the match in Auckland. There’s significant note for Dan Cole too, the fellow prop player is set to earn his 115th cap off the bench at Eden Park, pushing him to be the second most-capped men’s player for England, only behind Ben Youngs (127).
England’s coach, Steve Borthwick, applauds Cole for his long-standing commitment and determination in his career, a milestone to be celebrated. Recognised as a brilliant rugby player and a laudable role model, Borthwick anticipates a special Saturday with Cole.
There is no doubt that Eden Park, rich with rugby history and home to epic matches, carries the weight of expectation and pressure. The stadium will be brimming with suspense to see how New Zealand respond to the home-field pressure.
In the New Zealand team, Scrumhalf Finlay Christie is the fresh face in the starting line-up, stepping in for the injured TJ Perenara, and Cortez Ratima, an uncapped player, claims his bench spot. The All Blacks coach, Scott Robertson, praises Finlay’s dedication to earn the start, and anticipates it being a momentous day for the ready-for-action Cortez and his family.
In line-up decisions, Damian McKenzie remains in the number 10 shirt, Stephen Perofeta stays as fullback, and Beauden Barrett, former world player of the year who recently came back from a stint in Japan, is once again selected to be part of the replacements.
Samipeni Finau has successfully retained his position as the openside flanker, playing alongside Dalton Papali’i and the recognised global player of the year, Ardie Savea in an unaltered back row.
Since 1994, New Zealand have not tasted defeat at Eden Park, boasting 48 victories and a duo of draws in 50 test matches.
“There is a palpable sense of support for us from New Zealand’s populace here in Auckland, something that will reverberate in a packed-out Eden Park,” Robertson declares.
With Eden Park being a historic location significant to the All Blacks, their focus is to clinch the series against England this coming Saturday.
Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Tele’a, Damian McKenzie, Finlay Christie, Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, Scott Barrett who serves as the captain, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samipeni Finau, Dalton Papali’i, and Ardie Savea make up the New Zealand team.
For replacements, Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Beauden Barrett have been lined up.
On the England side, we have George Furbank; Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman, Marcus Smoth, Alex Mitchell, Fin Baxter, Jamie George serving as captain, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje, and George Martin. Chandler Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill and Ben Earl are also in the team.
Their replacements include Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, and Ollie Sleightholme.