BBC Rugby Union: England’s Scrum-Half Shake-Up for All Blacks Test
Published: 15:09 GMT, 29 October 2024 | Updated: 15:24 GMT, 29 October 2024
Bath captain Ben Spencer will make his first start for England, at the age of 32, as he has won the three-way tussle for the vacant scrum-half position against New Zealand on Saturday. With Alex Mitchell still recovering from a neck issue that saw him omitted from the national squad for the Autumn Nations Series, head coach Steve Borthwick has opted to hand Spencer his big chance, pairing him with fly-half Marcus Smith in the half-back duo.
“England are determined to play with tempo and daring intent against the All Blacks at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, but they also require the control and composure that experienced campaigner Spencer can provide.”
The long-serving Bath man has not enjoyed the international recognition his club exploits with Saracens and Bath have warranted, but now he has the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage.
Elsewhere, Ellis Genge and Tom Curry are among the players recalled to the England starting lineup, as Borthwick has opted to unveil his team selection 48 hours earlier than the originally planned announcement on Thursday. Vice-captain Genge returns after missing the summer tour, while Curry earns a starting berth, with the Leicester forward Ollie Chessum’s knee injury ruling him out of the blindside flanker role.
With George Martin fit to partner Maro Itoje in the second row, the Bath duo of Will Stuart and Jamie George, who captains the side, retain their places in the frontrow. In the backs, the Slade-Lawrence midfield pairing is reunited, while Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman start on the wings, with George Furbank at fullback.
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