Scott Barrett returns to lead All Blacks against England

Scott Barrett has been recalled to the starting lineup as New Zealand prepare for a high-profile clash with England in the 2025 Quilter Nations Series.

The All Blacks captain missed last weekend’s win over Scotland after suffering a cut that required stitches during the earlier match against Ireland in Chicago.

Barrett resumes his place at lock alongside Fabian Holland, with Josh Lord moving to the bench. His return comes as New Zealand continue their efforts to rebuild rhythm following Rugby Championship losses to Argentina and South Africa earlier in the season.

The team responded with a 26-13 victory over Ireland in Chicago, followed by a hard-fought 25-17 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

Beauden Barrett retains the fly-half role, while there is a change in the midfield as Billy Proctor steps in at outside centre to partner Quinn Tupaea.

Leicester Fainga’anuku shifts to the wing, and Simon Parker joins the back row. The front row combination remains unchanged. Jordie Barrett is still unavailable due to an ankle injury.

England arrive at the fixture with confidence after a dominant 25-7 win over Australia and a 38-18 victory over Fiji and are on a nine-game winning streak.

Saturday’s contest at Twickenham will be followed by New Zealand’s final match of the series against Wales.

All Blacks XV: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot

Reserves: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Damian McKenzie