Barrett returns as All Blacks unveil new combos for England clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has unveiled his team to face England in London on Saturday.
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 significant impact to the bench.
The front row remains unchanged from the previous two Northern Tour Tests.
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 him and Quinn Tupaea.
Leicester Fainga’anuku shifts out to the wing after Caleb Clarke was ruled out with concussion.
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.”
New Zealand: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Damian McKenzie.
Date: Saturday, November 15
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 15.10 (15.10 GMT; 04.10 NZDT Sunday, November 16)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Luc Ramos (France), Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
