All Blacks v England: Sam Underhill dropped, Ben Spencer wins halfback battle

Ben Spencer passes the ball during the England training session held in Girona, Spain. Photo / Getty Images

Ben Spencer will get his first test match start, on his seventh appearance, after being named at halfback in the team for England’s opening November series test against the All Blacks at Twickenham on Sunday.

Chandler Cunningham-South is picked at blindside flanker, alongside Tom Curry and Ben Earl, but there is no place in the squad for back row regular Sam Underhill.

Marcus Smith is the starting first five, with George Ford on the bench, while Henry Slade starts at centre having proved his fitness playing his first game of the season for Exeter at the weekend.

“We’re excited for the challenge of playing against one of the best teams in world rugby,” said Borthwick, whose side narrowly lost two tests away to the All Blacks in the summer.

“With just two games at Allianz Stadium in our last 15, it’s fantastic to be returning to play in front of our home crowd again. The energy and passion of our supporters always gives the team an extra lift.”

The All Blacks side is named early Friday morning NZT.

England side to face the All Blacks

1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 62 caps) – vice-captain

2. Jamie George (Saracens, 93 caps) – captain

3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 41 caps)

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 84 caps) – vice-captain

5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)

6. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 7 caps)

7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 53 caps)

8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 33 caps) – vice-captain

9. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 6 caps)

10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 35 caps)

11. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)

12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 27 caps)

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 65 caps)

14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 6 caps)

15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)

Replacements:

16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 14 caps)

17. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 2 caps)

18. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 115 caps)

19. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 11 caps)

20. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps)

21. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 17 caps)

22. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 7 caps)

23. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 96 caps) – vice captain.

All Blacks v England, Sunday 4.10am

Live commentary on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. Live match blog at nzherald.co.nz