All Blacks v England: Scott Robertson names squad for second test at Eden Park
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has stayed consistent in his selections, with just one injury-enforced change to the starting lineup to meet England at Eden Park on Saturday night.
Finlay Christie will start at halfback in place of TJ Perenara, who is out of the squad due to a leg injury. Cortez Ratima takes Christie’s place on the bench and will be in line to make his test debut if called upon.
“Finlay has worked hard and earned his place in the starting side and it will be a proud day for Cortez and his whānau. He’s a talented young man who is ready for test footy,” Robertson said.
“We can feel New Zealand’s support here in Auckland and we will hear it at a sold-out Eden Park. It’s a very special venue to the All Blacks, and we’re going there on Saturday to win the series against England.”
The fixture will be Christie’s first test start since the All Blacks’ 23-20 win over Australia in Dunedin in August 2023.
Samipeni Finau, who didn’t return after leaving the pitch for an HIA in last weekend’s win over England in Dunedin, was cleared to play and will return to take his place at blindside flanker alongside Dalton Papali’i and Ardie Savea in the loose trio.
That's all from us
Alex Powell
Thank you for joining us this morning.
We'll be back through the afternoon with more coverage, as we build towards Saturday's clash at Eden Park.
See you next time!
All Blacks return to Eden Park
Alex Powell
If it feels like it's been a while since the All Blacks played at Eden Park, that's because it has been.
Last year's Women's Football World Cup meant the All Blacks' Auckland test against South Africa was played at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart.
In fact, the All Blacks haven't played at the venue since September 2022, when Ian Foster's men thrashed the Wallabies 40-14.
Robertson's message
Alex Powell
“We can feel New Zealand’s support here in Auckland and we will hear it at a sold-out Eden Park. It’s a very special venue to the All Blacks, and we’re going there on Saturday to win the series against England.”
Ratima in line for debut
Alex Powell
Cortez Ratima is in line to become the first new cap of the Scott Robertson era.
Should the 23-year-old step on to Eden Park on Saturday, he'll become All Black No 1214.
"It will be a proud day for Cortez and his whānau," said Robertson. "He's a talented young man who is ready for test footy."
Finau cleared
Alex Powell
Samipeni Finau has been passed fit to play this week, after the 25-year-old failed a head injury assessment (HIA) last weekend.
Razor keeps the faith
Alex Powell
A huge vote of confidence from the new coach in his first XV revealed last week.
Stephen Perofeta keeps hold of the No 15 jersey, with Beauden Barrett staying on the bench to cover both first five and fullback.
Samipeni Finau is also retained after an impressive outing on the blindside of the scrum. Luke Jacobson stays on the bench as cover, thanks to his ability to cover all three loose forward positions.
Two changes
Alex Powell
Only two differences with the selections from last week.
As expected, Finlay Christie takes TJ Perenara's place as the starting halfback.
Cortez Ratima is in line for his debut off the bench.
All Blacks team for second test
Alex Powell
Ethan de Groot
Codie Taylor
Tyrel Lomax
Scott Barrett (c)
Patrick Tuipulotu
Samipeni Finau
Dalton Papali’i
Ardie Savea
Finlay Christie
Damian McKenzie
Mark Tele’a
Jordie Barrett
Rieko Ioane
Sevu Reece
Stephen Perofeta
Reserves
16. Asafo Aumua
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Tupou Vaa’i
20. Luke Jacobson
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Anton Lienert-Brown
23. Beauden Barrett
Ten minutes to go...
Alex Powell
Stay tuned, we'll bring you the team as soon as we have it.
What happened last time?
Alex Powell
These two sides last met at Eden Park 10 years ago.
Here's hoping this week's encounter is a better spectacle...
Plenty to ponder at halfback
Alex Powell
There is plenty up for grabs at No 9.
TJ Perenara's injury, on top of losing Cam Roigard in Super Rugby Pacific, has opened the door for at least one debutant.
In terms of seniority, Christie has earned the chance to start this week, and didn't put a foot wrong for the Blues in Super Rugby.
Cortez Ratima looms as the likely man to come into the side, but whether he starts or comes off the bench is to be seen.
Noah Hotham is clearly marked as one for the future, but has only been with the squad for a week, and it could be too soon to blood him now.
Will the shot clock change the All Blacks kicker?
Alex Powell
Probably not.
After Damian McKenzie's faux pas in Dunedin, Eden Park will display the 60-second shot clock on Saturday.
McKenzie himself owned up to his mistake after the win, but the All Blacks do have Jordie Barrett, and potentially brother Beauden, to take over if they want to make a change.
Who should lead the haka?
Alex Powell
Perenara's injury has also opened up another key position – who will lead the haka?
Codie Taylor looms as the likeliest contender, but captain Scott Barrett could also step into the role.
Have your say below:
New faces?
Alex Powell
After none of the six uncapped players were selected last week, Scott Robertson will be forced to field at least one at Eden Park.
TJ Perenara's injury will mean one of Cortez Ratima or Noah Hotham will debut, either off the bench or starting, with Finlay Christie also in the mix for the No 9 jersey.
What to do with Beauden?
Alex Powell
If Scott Robertson does want to make a change, will it come in the 15 jersey?
After coming off the bench last week, Beauden Barrett impressed in his brief cameo, having spent the first part of the year in Japan.
But will it be enough to displace Stephen Perofeta at fullback?
Paul Lewis says no.
Good morning!
Alex Powell
We're about four hours away from Scott Robertson naming his second team of the year.
The All Blacks were tested in Dunedin, but ultimately ended up with victory after 80 minutes.
With an extra week under their belts, though, will Razor stick or twist with his selections for Eden Park?
All you need to know about Scott Robertson’s side look to win the series over England after a one-point victory in Dunedin.
All Blacks v England - History
England haven’t won in New Zealand since 2003, just their second-ever win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil. They have met six times previously at Eden Park, the last test being in 2014 when the All Blacks won 20-15. England famously won in 1973 for their first victory here.
Overall record All Blacks v England
Played 44
All Blacks won 34
England won 8
Draws 2
All Blacks v England line-ups
All Blacks: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 5. Patrick Tuipulotu, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Dalton Papali’i, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Mark Tele’a, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Stephen Perofeta.
Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Tupou Vaa’i, 20. Luke Jacobson, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Beauden Barrett
England:
15. George Furbank, 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso,13. Henry Slade, 12. Ollie Lawrence, 11. Tommy Freeman, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Alex Mitchell, 8. Ben Earl, 7. Sam Underhill, 6. Chandler Cunningham-South, 5. George Martin, 4. Maro Itoje, 3. Will Stuart, 2. Jamie George (c), 1. Fin Baxter
Reserves: 16. Theo Dan, 17. Bevan Rodd, 18. Dan Cole, 19. Alex Coles, 20. Tom Curry, 21. Ben Spencer, 22. Fin Smith, 23. Ollie Sleightholme
When and where is the second test?
After last weekend’s opener in Dunedin, both sides have travelled north to Auckland and Eden Park. Kick-off is at 7.05pm on Saturday night.
Who will lead the haka for the All Blacks?
The question may not be answered until Saturday night. TJ Perenara did a fantastic job leading the haka in the first test but has been ruled out of this Saturday’s game following a knee injury. Codie Taylor is a veteran with Māori heritage who could do the role.
Who will be the All Blacks captain?
Scott Barrett was revealed as the new All Blacks captain when the squad was announced last month, replacing Sam Cane. Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett have been named as his vice-captains.
All Blacks v England second-test referee
Australian Nic Berry will take charge of the match, a return to Eden Park after being the referee for the Super Rugby Pacific final. The last time he did an All Blacks game was 2022, when they beat Argentina 53-3 in Hamilton. The All Blacks have three wins, a loss to Australia and a draw with South Africa under Berry.
England last saw Berry at the 2023 World Cup, when they beat Argentina 26-23 in the bronze medal match in Paris. The previous year he oversaw a 20-9 defeat to Wales.
All Blacks v England expert predictions
Elliott Smith – All Blacks 13+
Liam Napier – All Blacks 12-
Alex Powell – All Blacks 13+
Will Toogood – England 1-12
Jason Pine – All Blacks 12-
Elijah Fa’afiu – All Blacks 12-
Bonnie Jansen – All Blacks 13+
Weather forecast
Expecting a clear night. Mostly sunny. Breezy Sou’East winds according to Weatherwatch with a high of 11C at kickoff.
All Blacks v England TAB odds
All Blacks: $1.27 Draw: $21 England: $3.50
All Blacks v England How to follow the action
For live commentary of All Blacks v England, join Elliott Smith on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport and iHeartRadio.
You can watch the game on Sky Sport 1 and live streaming on Sky Sport Now; an alternative commentary option from the Alternative Commentary Collective is available on iHeartRadio, Hauraki and Sky Sport 9.
You can also find live updates at nzherald.co.nz.