Harlequins prop Fin Baxter making full debut after substitute appearance in first Test; England aim to become first side to win away at Eden Park for 30 years to level series; watch New Zealand vs England live on Sky Sports Action on Saturday from 7.30am; kick-off 8.05am
Friday 12 July 2024 12:43, UK
Fin Baxter will make his first start for England in place of the injured Joe Marler in England's line-up for Saturday's crucial second and final Test against New Zealand, live on Sky Sports.
But head coach Steve Borthwick was forced into a second change on Friday when full-back George Furbank was ruled out with a back injury, who will be replaced by Freddie Steward in the number 15 shirt.
Furbank had impressed in the England's narrow 16-15 loss in last week's first Test and had been identified by New Zealand as a dangerman ahead of Saturday's concluding match of the series.
Baxter had already been confirmed for his full international debut a week after coming off the bench for his senior debut last Saturday in England's narrow 16-15 loss to the All Blacks in the first Test in Dunedin, replacing club team-mate Marler, who has a foot injury.
Bevan Rodd is installed on the bench, where he joins Dan Cole, who is poised to make his 115th international appearance and become England's second-most capped men's player of all time after Ben Youngs.
England face the daunting task of attempting to become the first side to beat New Zealand at Eden Park for 30 years as they bid to level the series.
"Eden Park is a stadium packed with history and with memories of great rugby encounters, and we are delighted to be playing there on Saturday in what I anticipate will be another excellent Test," said Borthwick.
"New Zealand has a formidable record at this venue, but with that comes the pressure of expectation. It will be interesting to see how New Zealand manages that expectation in front of a full house.
"I'd like to pay special tribute to Dan Cole who will become England's second most capped men's player of all time on the weekend.
"Dan has shown nothing but dedication and determination throughout his career, and reaching this milestone is a remarkable feat. He is a superb rugby player, a wonderful role model, and we all look forward to sharing a memorable day with him on Saturday."
Scrum-half Finlay Christie is the only new face in the New Zealand starting line-up, replacing the injured TJ Perenara, with the uncapped Cortez Ratima taking his place on the bench.
Having gained 85 metres with the ball in hand, plus 27 post-contact metres, and beating a team-highest six defenders in last Saturday's thrilling opening match against the All Blacks, Furbank's performance was hailed by his opposite number Stephen Perofeta.
The Northampton Saints No 15's absence therefore represents a blow for England as they attempt to level the series.
"This morning George Furbank woke up, wasn't quite right, so he flagged it to the medics," said England scrum coach Tom Harrison.
"The medics do what they do and then the decision was made between the medics, Steve and George he will be unavailable for selection this weekend.
"So massively disappointing for George. He has been brilliant the way he has been playing, had a great season."
But both Harrison and Sam Underhill, who starts at flanker, believe Steward's abilities under the high ball will prove an asset too.
"We've got depth in that position," added Harrison.
"You've got a world-class player in Freddie Steward coming in. He's got 33 caps, he has played in big Test matches consistently for England, so it's a great opportunity for him and there are strengths of his game that he can bring to our gameplan."
Underhill, meanwhile, said of Steward: "He's a solid player. He's dependable.
"I've got every faith in Fred for the weekend and he deserves his shot. It's unfortunate for George but Fred has also put in an awful lot of hard work to be where he is."
New Zealand captain Scott Barrett said that Furbank certainly challenged our line from counter-attack" but expected that "Freddie would certainly do the same".
"He's potentially a little bit safer under the high balls, so it's a big strength of his game," he added.
England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ollie Lawrence, 11 Tommy Freeman, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Fin Baxter, 2 Jamie George (c), 3 Will Stuart, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Martin, 6 Chandler Cunningham-South, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Ben Earl
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Alex Coles, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Ben Spencer, 22 Fin Smith, 23 Ollie Sleightholme
New Zealand: 15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Tele'a, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Finlay Christie; 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 6 Samipeni Finau, 7 Dalton Papali'i, 8 Ardie Savea
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Tupou Vaa'i, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Beauden Barrett
England's summer fixtures
Watch the second Test between New Zealand and England at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday July 13 live on Sky Sports Action from 7.30am; kick-off 8.05am. Also stream contract-free with NOW.
