Ben Spencer is set to make his first England start against New Zealand on Saturday, as Steve Borthwick challenges the All Blacks by announcing his team two days in advance. Tom Curry also returns to the starting lineup after a 12-month absence, while Henry Slade will play at outside centre at Twickenham despite only one appearance this season.
Spencer has earned six caps so far, including two during the summer tour of Japan and New Zealand, but all his previous appearances were as a substitute. With Alex Mitchell out due to a neck injury, the Bath No.9 gets the nod for England's autumn internationals opener. Meanwhile, Curry slots into the side at openside flanker, with Chandler Cunningham-South retaining his place at blindside. This means Sam Underhill, who started England's last nine matches, drops out of the 23 entirely, with Ben Curry named as one of six forwards on the bench. This marks the first time both Currys have been named in an England squad, potentially setting the stage for the twins to play together on the international stage for the first time.
Tom Curry made three substitute appearances on the summer tour after recovering from a long-term hip injury that had threatened his career. The 26-year-old hasn't started for England since the World Cup bronze medal match a year ago but, having been awarded an enhanced contract last week, is handed the No. 7 jersey. In a positive development for Borthwick, George Ford returns to the squad on the replacements bench after missing the summer tour due to an Achilles injury and a subsequent quad muscle tear. Initial fears suggested he might miss the entire autumn campaign, but scans revealed no need for surgery, allowing his rehab to progress sufficiently for him to take his place on the bench.
Marcus Smith continues at fly-half, with Fin Smith missing out on the 23. Slade is named in the side at outside centre, having demonstrated his fitness in Exeter's defeat by Harlequins last week. This was Slade's first appearance of the season after shoulder surgery following the summer tour, but he is crucial to England's defensive system and lines up in the No. 13 jersey. Overall, there are three changes from England's last outing, the second Test defeat by the All Blacks in July. Ellis Genge replaces Fin Baxter – who is on the bench – at loosehead prop, while Jamie George captains the side from hooker and Will Stuart starts at tighthead. Maro Itoje and George Martin continue at lock, with Ben Earl at No. 8.
Among the backs, Ollie Lawrence partners Slade at centre, with Tommy Freeman, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, and George Furbank forming the back three. Theo Dan, Dan Cole, Nick Isiekwe, Alex Dombrandt, and Harry Randall are also among the replacements. "We're excited for the challenge of playing against one of the best teams in world rugby," said Borthwick. "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 gives the team an extra lift."
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