England’s Tuilagi and Nowell for All Blacks clash
Manu Tuilagi is back in the England team to face New Zealand on Saturday, with Jack Nowell also restored to the starting 15 having withdrawn with a stomach issue shortly before last week’s win over Japan.
Maro Itoje will move back to the second row as coach Eddie Jones goes for an unfamiliar back-row of Tom Curry at seven, Sam Simmons at six and Billy Vunipola at eight in the team named on Thursday.
Owen Farrell continues outside Marcus Smith at centre, where the captain will make his 100th appearance for England. Prop Will Stuart returns from injury and is among the replacements, as are David Ribbans, Jack Willis, Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, Ben Youngs, Guy Porter and Henry Slade.
The game is the first between the teams since England’s 19-7 victory in the 2019 World Cup semifinal, when Tuilagi scored England’s only try after two minutes. “This fixture doesn’t come around too often and these are the games that players remember in their careers,” Jones said. “New Zealand have had the upper hand over the years, but it’s been more balanced in recent times and the players have a chance to play their part in history.”
Commenting on Farrell, who made his debut under Stuart Lancaster in 2012, Jones said: “We’re really pleased for Owen that he is reaching such a significant and special milestone. He is an excellent player and competitor and he is deserving of every cap.” After Saturday’s game, England complete their November series against SA next weekend. New Zealand lock
Brodie Retallick is set to win his 100th cap on Saturday as he returns from suspension to beef up the pack for his side’s Test against England.
Retallick was suspended after being sent off against Japan in October, missing the wins against Wales and Scotland over the past fortnight, but reprises his long-standing partnership in the second row with skipper Sam Whitelock.
The pair will scrum down together for a record 64th time, surpassing the previous mark held by SA’s Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield.
Retallick, who will be the 12th Kiwi to get 100 caps, comes in for Scott Barrett, who moves to blindside flank in place of Akira Ioane in one of nine switches to the line-up after last weekend’s 31-23 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield.
Rieko Ioane replaces Anton Lienert-Brown at centre and will play alongside Jordie Barrett, who comes in for David Havili.
Beauden Barrett moves to fullback where his brother Jordie played last week, allowing Richie Mo’unga to return at flyhalf with Aaron Smith back at scrumhalf for his 11th cap.
Codie Taylor starts at hooker in place of Samisoni Taukei’aho, while Tyrel Lomax replaces Nepo Laulala at tighthead as New Zealand put up their strongest side for their last game this year. “We feel the squad has been building nicely throughout this tour,” said coach Ian Foster as he named the team.
“Playing England is something we don’t get to do often so we are excited for the challenge. This is an opportunity to continue our growth as a team at one of the great venues in world rugby — Twickenham,” he added.