The Prague Post - Scott Barrett returns to skipper All Blacks against England

The lock missed last week's hard-fought 25-17 win over Scotland at Murrayfield following a cut to his leg, that required a dozen stitches, suffered during the win, the weekend before, over Ireland in Chicago.

But he has now been restored to the second row in the team announced by coach Scott Robertson on Thursday, with Barrett partnering Fabian Holland at lock.

Loose forward Simon Parker also returns to the starting 15, with Josh Lord and Wallace Sititi now dropping down to the bench.

Behind the scrum Billy Proctor is at outside centre, pulling on the No 13 shirt he has worn in seven Tests previously this year.

The experienced Anton Lienert-Brown will provide midfield cover for Proctor and starting inside centre Quinn Tupaea, with Leicester Fainga'anuku moving out to the wing after Caleb Clarke was ruled out with concussion.

Jordie Barrett, Scott's brother, remains at fly-half, with Damian McKenzie again among the replacements.

He came off the bench to score a key try and a penalty last weekend at Murrayfield that edged New Zealand ahead after Scotland had fought back to 17-17 from 17-0 behind at half-time.

New Zealand have won 36 of 46 Tests against England, with two draws and just eight defeats since the 1905 'Originals' beat the home side 15-0 at Crystal Palace in London.

New Zealand (15-1)

Will Jordan; Leroy Carter, Billy Proctor,  Quinn Tupaea, Leicester Fainga'anuku; Beauden Barrett,  Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai,  Ardie Savea, Simon Parker; Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett (capt), Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor,  Ethan de Groot

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie

Coach: Scott Robertson (NZL)

A.Slezak--TPP