England v New Zealand: Ben Spencer to make first start as Steve Borthwick names side for Autumn Nation Series opener
Published 29/10/2024 at 16:31 GMT
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Ben Spencer will lead England's attack from No. 9 for the first time in his career, as Steve Borthwick announced his starting XV to face New Zealand in their Autumn Nations opener at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Jamie George will captain the side, which also features the return of fit-again Henry Slade and Tom Curry.
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England head coach Steve Borthwick has named his side to face New Zealand in their Autumn Nations Series opener on Saturday, with Ben Spencer given his first Test start at scrum-half.
Spencer comes into the starting XV in place of Alex Mitchell, who has been ruled out of the tournament - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - with a neck injury.
Outside centre Henry Slade has been injected straight into the starting side despite only playing 54 minutes of club rugby this season after having shoulder surgery in the summer.
Slade made his Gallagher Premiership return for Exeter Chiefs in their 36-19 defeat to Harlequins over the weekend.
Tom Curry, who himself has only recently returned to action this season after hip surgery, also starts for England in the back row, while prop Ellis Genge is back in the side after missing the summer tour with injury.
Borthwick said he hopes to kick off their campaign with a bang against the always-dangerous All Blacks, and looks forward to returning in front of a sold-out home crowd at Allianz Stadium.
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“We’re excited for the challenge of playing against one of the best teams in world rugby,” Borthwick said.
“We’ll need to be accurate, keep our discipline, and maintain a level of intensity throughout the match, from the first whistle to the final moment.
"With just two games at Allianz Stadium in our last 15, it’s fantastic to be returning to play in front of our home crowd again. The energy and passion of our supporters always give the team an extra lift.”
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Jamie George was named skipper, with Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, Genge and George Ford serving as the four vice-captains.
Ford, who has overcome a quad injury, will offer firepower from the bench, while there is no place in the squad for flanker Sam Underhill, who started both losses against New Zealand in June.
England team to face New Zealand
15. George Furbank, 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13. Henry Slade, 12. Ollie Lawrence, 11. Tommy Freeman, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Ben Spencer, 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Jamie George, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. George Martin, 6. Chandler Cunningham-South, 7. Tom Curry, 8. Ben Earl
Replacements: 16. Theo Dan, 17. Fin Baxter, 18. Dan Cole, 19. Nick Isiekwe, 20. Ben Curry, 21. Alex Dombrandt, 22. Harry Randall, 23. George Ford
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Which Autumn Nations Series matches are on TNT Sports?
In April, it was announced that TNT Sports would broadcast every game of this year's Autumn Nations Series. Below is the full list of fixtures and kick-off times BST.
WEEK 1
November 2
- England v New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium, 15:10
- Scotland v Fiji, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, 17:40
WEEK 2
November 8
- Ireland v New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, 20:10
November 9
- England v Australia, Twickenham Stadium, 15:10
- Italy v Argentina, Stadio Friuli, 17:40
- France v Japan, Stade de France, 20:10
November 10
- Wales v Fiji, Principality Stadium, 13:40
- Scotland v South Africa, Murrayfield Stadium, 16:10
WEEK 3
November 15
- Ireland v Argentina, Aviva Stadium, 20:10
November 16
- Scotland v Portugal, Murrayfield Stadium, 15:10
- England v South Africa, Twickenham Stadium, 17:40
- France v New Zealand, Stade de France, 20:10
November 17
- Italy v Georgia, TBC, 13:40
- Wales v Australia, Principality Stadium, 16:10
WEEK 4
November 22
- France v Argentina, Stade de France, 20:10
November 23
- Ireland v Fiji, Aviva Stadium, 15:10
- Wales v South Africa, Principality Stadium, 17:40
- Italy v New Zealand, Allianz Stadium, 20:10
November 24
- Scotland v Australia, Murrayfield Stadium, 13:40
- England v Japan, Twickenham Stadium, 16:10
WEEK 5
November 30
- Ireland v Australia, Aviva Stadium, 15:10
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Stream the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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