All Blacks Recall Star Players for Showdown Against England at Twickenham
New Zealand’s head coach Scott Robertson has called back several senior players for the All Blacks' highly anticipated clash with England at Twickenham this weekend, part of their November international series. Robertson’s selection changes come in response to last week’s commanding 64-19 victory over Japan in Yokohama, with only four players from that starting lineup retained. The shake-up is aimed at fielding a stronger, more experienced side for the iconic Twickenham stage.
The All Blacks’ captain, Scott Barrett, who was absent from the matchday squad against Japan, returns to lead the team from the lock position. Patrick Tuipulotu, who captained the side in Yokohama, will start on the bench. Robertson also shifted Wallace Sititi from No. 8 to blindside flanker, adding another dimension to the team’s forward pack. In a boost for the All Blacks’ back row, the 2023 World Player of the Year, Ardie Savea, will start at No. 8, while former captain Sam Cane remains a fixture at openside flanker.
The forward line sees the return of Tamaiti Williams at loosehead prop, joined by Tyrel Lomax and Codie Taylor to complete a formidable front row. This experienced setup aims to bring physicality and set-piece stability to counter England’s traditionally strong pack.
In the backline, the Barrett brothers, Beauden and Jordie, will start at fly-half and inside centre, respectively. Beauden’s playmaking and Jordie’s defensive skills and distribution are expected to drive the All Blacks’ attack. Rieko Ioane takes the outside centre spot, while the explosive wings will be occupied by Mark Tele’a and Caleb Clarke. Will Jordan, known for his agility and finishing prowess, starts at full-back, rounding out a potent backline lineup.
This fixture will be the third meeting between the All Blacks and England in 2024. The last two encounters, held in New Zealand in July, were both close matches, with the All Blacks narrowly winning 16-15 and 24-17. Robertson acknowledges that four months have passed since those games, and both teams have evolved since then. With the historic Hillary Shield on the line, Robertson is prepared for the intensity of Twickenham, a venue with an electrifying atmosphere and a crowd that creates a unique challenge for visiting teams.
Robertson emphasized the significance of the Twickenham experience: “Twickenham is such an iconic place to play, and the roar of the crowd there is like few others. The All Blacks have had some fierce battles there in recent years, and that's a challenge that we will step forward to, especially with the Hillary Shield at stake."
The New Zealand bench also boasts depth, with seasoned players such as Anton Lienert-Brown and Damian McKenzie ready to bring impact if needed. With this squad, Robertson clearly aims to leverage the All Blacks’ experience and skill to outmaneuver a competitive English side.
New Zealand Starting XV (15-1):
Full-back: Will Jordan
Wings: Mark Tele’a, Caleb Clarke
Centres: Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett
Fly-half: Beauden Barrett
Scrum-half: Cortez Ratima
Back Row: Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Wallace Sititi
Locks: Scott Barrett (captain), Tupou Vaa’i
Front Row: Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samipeni Finau, Cam Roigard, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie
This lineup, filled with experienced players in key positions, showcases New Zealand's intent to bring their best to Twickenham. The All Blacks will need their blend of youthful dynamism and seasoned leadership as they prepare for another intense battle against England.
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