England make two changes for Dunedin Test against New Zealand

Joe Marler returns to the England front row for the Dunedin clash against New Zealand

©PA

England manager Steve Borthwick has made two changes for the first Test match against New Zealand in Dunedin on Saturday.

Both changes for England came in the front row, with Joe Marler returning as loosehead prop, replacing Bevan Rodd, while Will Stuart stepped up as tighthead prop, replacing Dan Cole, who is now on the bench.

Cole is on the verge of winning his 114th Test cap, making him the second-most capped player for England.

Harlequins’ Fin Baxter and Northampton’s Ollie Sleightholme’s Jason Leonard are expected to win their first international match when they come off the bench.

“There is no greater challenge than playing New Zealand at home, but that is exactly where we want to be,” Borthwick said.

“We want to get to know ourselves better and test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.

“Test rugby is a game of small margins, so our mindset will be very important on Saturday. We have to be mentally strong, play a tactically smart game and keep our discipline.”

The last time England won a Test match against the All Blacks in New Zealand was in 2003 when they secured a 15-13 victory in Wellington. However, England have a better recent record against New Zealand, having defeated them 19-7 in the semi-final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, followed by a 25-25 draw at Twickenham Stadium in 2022.

Ready for the challenge??

England manager Steve Borthwick has announced his 23-man squad for the match against @AllesZwarts in Dunedin on Saturday.#NZLvENG | #WearTheRose | @O2 photo.twitter.com/ShmhfyOppV

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 2, 2024