England's rugby team faces their toughest challenge this autumn as they prepare to host the formidable All Blacks at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium this Saturday. Steve Borthwick's squad enters this high-stakes encounter riding a wave of confidence after securing nine consecutive victories.
Match Details and How to Watch
The highly anticipated England vs New Zealand match is scheduled to begin at 3.10pm GMT on Saturday 15 November. The clash takes place at the iconic Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, promising an electric atmosphere for this international rugby showdown.
For viewers across the United Kingdom, comprehensive live coverage will be provided by TNT Sports 1, with their broadcast commencing at 2pm GMT. Those preferring to stream the action can access the match live via the discovery+ platform.
Team News and Line-ups
England approaches this critical test without two key players: Tommy Freeman and Ollie Chessum remain sidelined due to injuries sustained during their victory over Fiji. However, there's positive news regarding Tom Roebuck, who has recovered sufficiently to reclaim his position on the wing.
Borthwick has reintroduced George Ford and Freddie Steward to the backline, both having started England's November opener against Australia. In the pack, Alex Coles partners with Maro Itoje in the second row to cover Chessum's absence, while Fin Baxter and Joe Heyes continue as the starting props.
The All Blacks welcome back their captain Scott Barrett, who has successfully recovered from a leg laceration. Barrett will partner with Fabian Holland in the second row, while Simon Parker returns to the blindside, pushing Wallace Sititi to a formidable bench.
New Zealand's backline sees adjustments with Caleb Clarke ruled out due to concussion protocols. Leicester Fainga'anuku shifts to the wing, while the centre partnership features Quinn Tupaea and Billy Proctor.
Historical Context and Stakes
This encounter represents a significant opportunity for England to measure their progress against one of rugby's traditional powerhouses. The hosts have suffered three narrow defeats to New Zealand in their previous meetings, despite holding strong positions in each contest.
England's last victory against the All Blacks dates back to their memorable 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final triumph. Meanwhile, New Zealand arrives at Twickenham having already secured victories against Ireland and Scotland in their Quilter Nations Series campaign.
The All Blacks are pursuing a historic grand slam tour of the Home Nations, with Wales awaiting them next week. England's current winning streak and home advantage set the stage for a compelling rugby union spectacle that could redefine their standing in international rugby.
England XV: 1 Fin Baxter, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Alex Coles; 6 Guy Pepper, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 George Ford; 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tom Roebuck; 15 Freddie Steward.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Henry Pollock; 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith.
New Zealand XV: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Fletcher Newell; 4 Scott Barrett (capt.), 5 Fabian Holland; 6 Simon Parker, 7 Ardie Savea, 8 Peter Lakai; 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Beauden Barrett; 11 Leicester Fainga'anuku, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Billy Proctor, 14 Leroy Carter; 15 Will Jordan.
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.
