Billy Vunipola is set to return to England’s starting team for their clash with the All Blacks at Twickenham this weekend.
Head coach Eddie Jones will name his line-up on Thursday with Joe Cokanasiga already ruled out through a knee injury.
It is the first time England have face New Zealand since their epic win over them in the World Cup semi-final in Yokohama three years ago.
According to the Mail Online, the Saracens powerhouse and Exeter Chiefs Sam Simmonds could be deployed in the same back-row.
Manu Tuilagi will also return to the team at outside-centre as Eddie Jones continues to persist with his Marcus Smith-Owen Farrell axis at 10 and 12.
World Rugby have confirmed in a statement that the referee for England’s clash with New Zealand has been changed.
A statement read: “World Rugby has confirmed changes to the match official appointments for England vs New Zealand and Romania vs Samoa on November 19 and France vs Japan on November 29.
“Mathieu Raynal (France) will now referee the England vs New Zealand match at Twickenham in the Autumn Nations Series on November 19.
” Raynal replaces Nic Berry (Australia), who has returned home for personal reasons.
“Two further amendments come as a result of this change. Christophe Ridley (England) will replace Raynal as referee for the Romania vs Samoa match in Bucharest on November 19, while Chris Busby (Ireland) replaces Ridley as assistant referee for the France vs Japan match in Toulouse in the Autumn Nations Series on November 20.
“There has also been a change of referee for the Bristol Bears vs South Africa A match in Bristol on November 17. Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy) will now take charge of the match instead of Adam Jones (Wales).”
Leaked England XV (Mail Online)
Back-three:
- 15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
- 14. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
- 11. Jonny May (Gloucester)
Centre:
- 13. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)
- 12. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
Owen Farrell Facts:
- The Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford
- His education began in rugby league – he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight
- He became the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby, making his debut aged 17 and 11 days. This record was later beaten by schoolmate Ford
- It’s well known that Owen is the son of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. However, it’s less commonly know that his uncle Sean O’Loughlin is also a rugby league legend, winning 34 caps for Great Britain between 1993 and 2009
- He was not at first registered as a Farrell, but took mum Colleen’s family name of O’Loughlin. The couple married in 1995, changing Owen’s surname to Farrell the following year.