Three Harlequins players have been included in the England squad for the Second Test against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, scheduled for Saturday.
Following his debut last Saturday, Fin Baxter has been selected to make his first Test start at loosehead prop. Chandler Cunningham-South will join him at blindside flanker, with Marcus Smith taking the reins at fly-half.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- Follow us on Scrummage Africa FB
- The story of Moreen Muritu
- Kanyanya’s transition from rugby pitch to police beat
- Mbeche’s epic ride in push for Eye Care awareness
England’s starting XV features George Furbank at fullback, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Henry Slade in the centres, and Ollie Lawrence on the wing. Jamie George, with 92 caps, captains the team from hooker, supported by a mix of experienced and younger players aiming to challenge the All Blacks.
The replacements include a blend of seasoned players like Dan Cole, with 114 caps, alongside emerging talents such as Ollie Sleightholme, who has one cap to his name.
England Starting XV
1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 1 cap)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 92 caps – Captain)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 40 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 83 caps)
5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps)
6. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 6 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 37 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 32 caps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 34 caps)
11. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)
12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 26 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 64 caps)
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 5 caps)
15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)
Replacements: 16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 13 caps) 17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 6 caps) 18. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 114 caps) 19. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 6 caps) 20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 52 caps) 21. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 6 caps) 22. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 4 caps) 23. Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)