Match: Quilter Nations Series — England v New Zealand
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Date: Saturday 15 November, kick-off 15:10 GMT
Coverage: BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and live text on BBC Sport
England face injury worries over Tommy Freeman and Ollie Chessum ahead of Saturday’s autumn Test against New Zealand. Freeman is being assessed for a hamstring problem, while second row Chessum has a foot injury and was pictured on crutches at the team hotel. Both players, who were part of the British and Irish Lions, started England’s wins over Australia and Fiji but missed Monday’s training session.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has options if Freeman is ruled out on the wing. Elliot Daly is available after recovering from the fractured forearm he suffered on the Lions tour, though he has not played since 2 July. Tom Roebuck looks to have overcome an ankle issue, and Henry Arundell boosted his chances with an eye-catching try in the 38-18 win over Fiji. Freddie Steward appears recovered from a hand injury and will vie with Daly and Marcus Smith for the full-back spot.
With Chessum’s fitness in doubt, captain Maro Itoje—who began the Fiji game on the bench—could move into the second row, while Alex Coles has kept his place in the starting XV. Under Borthwick, England have won nine consecutive Tests and climbed to fourth in the world rankings this week, overtaking France after their defeat to South Africa.
New Zealand, ranked second, arrive having beaten Ireland 26-13 and edged Scotland 25-17 thanks to a late Damian McKenzie score. England have not beaten the All Blacks since the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final and last beat them at Twickenham in 2012.
Former England captain Jamie George urged the squad to embrace the occasion and focus on executing a clear gameplan to pressure a top-class All Blacks side. Flanker Sam Underhill warned teammates about New Zealand’s pace in attack and their breakdown threat, highlighting players such as Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi as major dangers at the ruck.
