LOCKS
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
Our predictions do not alter Borthwick’s engine room, as should the two second rows stay fit for Dunedin, we can not see any better partnership than Maro Itoje and George Martin. Itoje comes into the fold, despite the questions being raised regarding the lock’s on-field minutes this season. Should the second row be cleared to play, we see no other than the Saracen as a sure-fire selection to take the lead against the All Blacks, and occupy a vice-captaincy role ahead of the first Test in Dunedin.
George Martin is our pick to team up with Itoje, as the Leicester Tigers man had a solid showing against Japan in the locks. Martin has adapted well to his positional shift to second row, given his previous predominance at flanker. The Leicester man stepped up for the test against Japan, and has provided an equally adaptable fit in the absence of his Tigers teammate Ollie Chessum. With Charlie Ewels out of selection following his red card in Tokyo, England drafted in Saracens lock Nick Isiekwe. We expect an instant call-up for the second row, who takes a seat amongst our replacements.
BACK ROW
6. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens)
Finishing off our predicted England XV to take on the All Blacks, we expect a slight shuffle amongst the back-row. England fans would love to see the re-assembling of the ‘Under-Curry’ partnership, that ran roughshod on opponents towards the tail end of the Eddie Jones era. Multiple injury lay-offs have prevented Steve Borthwick to utilise this dynamic duo from the start as of yet, but we could be set for the band to get back together in Dunedin.
Underhill was at his battering and bruising best against Japan, having seamlessly transferred his excellent Premiership form to the international stage. Underhill’s Bath head coach Johann van Graan called the flanker ‘world class’ following the Premiership Final, and Underhill has managed to live up to the tag-line so far. Curry looked strong upon his international return, as despite only playing for less than a half for Sale this season, battled back from injury and made some heavy hits against the Brave Blossoms.
Then of course there is Ben Earl, and expect to hear the England number eight’s voice echo around the indoor Forsyth Barr Stadium. Earl has made his intentions clear for the 2024/25 season, in how he wants to become the best player in the world and build upon his already impressive accolades. Earl is set to go head to head with Ardie Savea, in what is the perfect proving ground against the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year. Expect plenty of fireworks on Saturday, with the two eight men at the heart of the action.
Of course, the altered approach to the back row means that Chandler Cunningham-South drops out of the starting XV. We have selected the Harlequin to take the number 20 shirt amongst the replacements, which in turn bumps Alex Dombrandt out of the match day 23. Cunningham-South’s positional versatility is what gives him the nod ahead of his Quins teammate, as he is equally suitable to cover blindside flank and number eight, should the physical battle prompt a rearrangement of the back-rowers.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Theo Dan (Saracens)
17. Fin Baxter (Harlequins)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby)
19. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)
20. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
22. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
23. Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints)