England name strong team for Dunedin Test

England have named a typically large forward line-up to face the All Blacks in the first Test at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Joe Marler and Will Stuart will start at prop, replacing Bevan Rodd and Dan Cole.

Cole drops to the bench to win his 114th cap, equalling Jason Leonard as England’s second-most capped male player, while Fin Baxter is in line for a potential debut as the other replacement prop. Ollie Sleightholme, whose father Jon played 12 Tests for England in the 1990s, could also make his debut after being named on the bench as a replacement full-back.

Jamie George will captain the Steve Borthwick-coached England team who have just secured a 52-17 victory over Japan in Tokyo. The England captain will once again be supported by an astonishing four vice-captains: Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, Henry Slade and Marler.

At lock, Itoje partners George Martin. The back row sees Sam Underhill at openside flanker, Chandler Cunningham-South on the blindside and Earl at number eight.

In the inside backs, Alex Mitchell is paired with Marcus Smith in the first five. In midfield, Ollie Lawrence is at inside centre with Slade at 13.

In the back three, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso starts on the right flank, with Tommy Freeman on the left flank and George Furbank at right back to complete the starting lineup.

Alex Coles and Ben Spencer are also called up for Matchday 23, alongside Theo Dan, Dan Cole, Tom Curry and Fin Smith.

“There is no greater challenge than playing New Zealand at home, but that is exactly where we want to be,” Borthwick said.

“We want to get to know ourselves better and test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.

“Test rugby is a game of fine margins, so our mindset will be very important on Saturday. We have to be mentally strong, play a tactically smart game and make sure we keep our discipline.

“Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin is a great venue with a fast surface and the closed roof will make the atmosphere very special.”

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson will announce his team at 11.30am on Thursday.

All Blacks vs England

Kick-off: 7.05pm, Saturday 6th July, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

England: 15. George Furbank, 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 63 caps) – vice-captain, 12. Ollie Lawrence, 11. Tommy Freeman, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Alex Mitchell 8. Ben Earl (vice-captain), 7. Sam Underhill, 6. Chandler Cunningham-South, 5. George Martin, 4. Maro Itoje (vice-captain), 3. Will Stuart, 2. Jamie George (captain), 1. Joe Marler (vice-captain)

Bank: 16. Theo Dan, 17. Fin Baxter, 18. Dan Cole, 19. Alex Coles, 20. Tom Curry, 21. Ben Spencer, 22. Fin Smith, 23. Ollie Sleightholme