18 Nov 2022 | 5 min |

Preview: England vs New Zealand

Everything you need to know ahead of England's Autumn Nations Series fixture against New Zealand at Twickenham.

Owen Farrell is set to become only the third Englishman to earn a 100th international cap when he leads his team out at Twickenham this weekend.

He follows in the footsteps of Jason Leonard and Ben Youngs in reaching this milestone, ten years after making his England debut against Scotland in 2012.

When?	Saturday 19 November
Where?	Twickenham Stadium
Kick off?	17:30

Saturday's match will be the first meeting between the two sides since the Rugby World Cup final in 2019, which England won 19-7.

Manu Tuilagi returns to the starting fold in the centre, while vice captain Jack Nowell starts at 14 after being ruled out of last weekend's game. He joins Jonny May and Freddie Steward in the back three.

Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith are the half back pairing. Maro Itoje shifts into the second row alongside Jonny Hill while vice captain Ellis Genge joins Luke Cowan-Dickie and Kyle Sinckler in the front row.

BAGSHOT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 15: Sam Simmonds passes the ball during the England training session held at Pennyhill Park on November 15, 2022 in Bagshot, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images )

The back row sees a positional shift for Sam Simmonds, who starts at blindside flanker. Billy Vunipola returns as No 8 and Tom Curry retains the openside position.

Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, Will Stuart, David Ribbans, Jack Willis, Ben Youngs, Guy Porter and Henry Slade are the finishers.

TEAMS

England

15. Freddie Steward, 14. Jack Nowell, 13. Manu Tuilagi, 12. Owen Farrell (C), 11. Jonny May, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Jack van Poortvliet, 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3. Kyle Sinckler, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. #Jonny Hill, 6. Sam Simmonds, 7. Tom Curry, 8. Billy Vunipola

Finishers

16. Jamie George, 17. Mako Vunipola, 18. Will Stuart, 19. David Ribbans, 20. Jack Willis, 21. Ben Youngs, 22. Guy Porter, 23. Henry Slade

New Zealand

15. Beauden Barrett, 14. Mark Talea, 13. Kieko Ioane, 12. Jordie Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 9. Aaron Smith, 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Samuel Whitelock (C), 6. Scott Barrett, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Ardie Savea

Replacements

16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. George Bower, 18. Nepo Laulala, 19. Shannon Frizell, 20. Hoskins Sotutu, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. David Havili, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown

VIEWS FROM CAMP

Eddie Jones: "England versus New Zealand is always a special occasion because we don't get to play them that often. We've played them twice in the last seven years and if you look at the history of the game you can understand the challenge ahead of us, but we're excited by the prospect of playing one of the best teams in the world.

"We've had a really good week of preparation. This is probably the fittest group of players we've had for a long time so we're really looking forward to the game. One of New Zealand's biggest strengths is their back row so we feel that battle is going to be an important one in the game.

BAGSHOT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 15: England Head Coach, Eddie Jones looks on during a England Training Session at Pennyhill Park on November 15, 2022 in Bagshot, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

"They're always a strong team and they're committed to playing to their best. I've coached against New Zealand since 2000 and they never lack motivation. They've got that kiwi spirit about them and we've got a great opportunity ahead of us."

Ellis Genge: "I've never played against New Zealand at Test level, I played against them in U20s and I was in the stands for the game in 2019. I grew up watching these games and they've got some of the best players to ever play the game so I can't wait to test myself against the best.

BAGSHOT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Ellis Genge of England looks on during a training session at Pennyhill Park on November 02, 2022 in Bagshot, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

"There are a load of different feelings you have on match day, some are nerves, some excited, but I'm looking forward to it. We're not naive, we know they're human but nobody is going into it thinking we're going to lose. We definitely don't think that but we've got to be on our mettle.

"Traditionally England want to start fast and New Zealand want to finish well, so there is a contrast in beliefs. But as you know in any sport, the team that starts well usually does alright."

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS

2019: England 19-7 New Zealand

2018: England 15-16 New Zealand

2014: England 21-24 New Zealand

2014: New Zealand 36-13 England

2014: New Zealand 28-27 England

STATS

England have led the All Blacks at half-time in each of their last three meetings.

New Zealand are currently on a run of six straight victories in Test matches after winning just two in eight previously.

England have the highest success rate on their own rucks of any side in this year’s Autumn Nations Series (99.3%)

New Zealand have won more turnovers than any other side in this year’s Autumn Nations Series (18).