Ben Spencer is set to make his England debut as a starter against New Zealand this Saturday, a decision that England coach, Steve Borthwick made two days in advance. This will be Tom Curry’s first time in the starting line-up in a year, while Henry Slade, despite having just one outing this season, is set to play in the outside centre at Twickenham.
Beyond his six international appearances, all from the bench and two during the summer tour of Japan and New Zealand, Spencer has never started a game for England. The opportunity became available due to a neck injury sidelining Alex Mitchell, which means England’s autumn internationals kickoff will be led by the Bath rugby player.
Curry is also a new addition to the team, taking up the role of openside flanker, while Chandler Cunningham-South retains his blindside position. This leads to nine-match starter Sam Underhill being dropped completely from the 23, with Ben Curry becoming one of the six forwards benched. For the first time, England’s squad features both Curry twins, potentially leading to a shared international stage for the duo, also for the first time.
After recovering from a severe hip injury that almost ended his career, Tom Curry returns to international rugby, having last played in the World Cup bronze match a year ago. The 26-year-old, who was recently awarded an enhanced contract along with 16 others, will wear the number seven jersey.
For Borthwick, the return of George Ford to the replacements bench is good news. Despite an Achilles injury and a torn quad muscle causing him to miss the summer tour, recent tests showed that no surgery was required, and he has since progressed well in his rehabilitation.
Marcus Smith keeps his outhalf position, as Fin Smith is not included in the 23-man squad. After his first game of the season last week following shoulder surgery during the summer break, Slade’s inclusion as outside centre in the line-up against New Zealand is seen as key to England’s defence.
Compared to their last match with the All Blacks in July, the England Rugby team has seen a total of three alterations. At loose head prop, Ellis Genge comes in to fill the position for Fin Baxter who now resides on the bench. Meanwhile, Jamie George takes the helm as captain from the hooker position, and Will Stuart is named as the starting tight head. Maro Itoje and George Martin retain their positions at lock and Ben Earl maintains his spot at number eight.
In the back row, Ollie Lawrence is paired with Slade in the centre, while Tommy Freeman, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and George Furbank form the back three. Also listed among the reserves are Theo Dan, Dan Cole, Nick Isiekwe, Alex Dombrandt, and Harry Randall.
England’s coach, Borthwick, states that the team eagerly awaits the challenge of competing against one of the finest teams in international rugby. He emphasises the importance of precision, discipline, and sustained intensity for the entirety of the match.
Returning to play at the Allianz Stadium for only the third time in the last 15 games thrills the team. Borthwick believes that the fervour and enthusiasm of their home crowd always provide an additional boost for the players.
The England line-up for the forthcoming match against New Zealand on Saturday at Twickenham, 3.10 pm, includes Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso from Northampton and Exeter, respectively, Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence of Exeter and Bath, respectively, and Marcus Smith from Harlequins, among others. Among the replacements, George Ford from Sale, Harry Randall from Bristol, and Alex Dombrandt from Harlequins are included.