England make seven changes for New Zealand clash

England head coach Steve Borthwick has revamped his side ahead of Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at Twickenham, recalling fly-half George Ford and full-back Freddie Steward, while moving prop Ellis Genge to the bench.

Ford returns to the starting lineup after missing the 38-18 win over Fiji, taking the No 10 role as Borthwick emphasises on experience.

Steward takes the 15 shirt, replacing Marcus Smith who drops to the bench. Genge, along with fellow Lions Luke Cowan-Dickie and Will Stuart, feature as replacements in an England match-day 23 loaded with impact players.

In the second row, captain Maro Itoje leads alongside Alex Coles, covering for injured Ollie Chessum who is sidelined by a foot issue.

Tommy Freeman is also ruled out through a hamstring injury. Tom Roebuck returns on the right wing, while Sam Underhill comes into the back-row and Ben Earl shifts to number eight.

“I’m pleased with the progress we are making.” said Borthwick.

“Without doubt, New Zealand are one of the best teams in the world and facing them is always a special challenge.

“Playing in front of a packed-out Allianz Stadium means a huge amount to the players. The support we’ve had throughout this series has been outstanding, and we want it loud again on Saturday.”

England currently ride a nine-match unbeaten run but have not defeated the All Blacks at home since 2012.

England XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Alex Coles, 4 Maro Itoje (C), 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George, 1 Fin Baxter

Reserves: 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