England recalled prop Dan Cole on Thursday in the only change to their starting line-up for Saturday’s match against world champions New Zealand at Twickenham.
Cole, on the bench for last week’s 31-12 win over Argentina, but has now changed places with David Wilson, who started against the Pumas.
England coach Stuart Lancaster’s decision to retain the bulk of his starting side means New Zealand-born hooker Dylan Hartley is now set to win his 50th Test cap this weekend.
“It’s a great achievement for Dylan to reach 50 caps. We are a young side but one that is growing with every game and it’s important to have leaders like Dylan,” Lancaster said.
There are two more changes to the bench with Matt Mullan now among the replacements, following knee injuries suffered by Alex Corbisiero and Mako Vunipola.
Scrum-half Ben Youngs is back on the bench after a hip injury, with Danny Care dropping out of the matchday 23 completely.
Injures to wings Marland Yarde (hip) and Christian Wade (hamstring) see Chris Ashton given another chance to try to regain form.
“We have had some enforced changes with Alex and Mako unavailable and we have been unable to consider a number of players due to short and long-term injuries,” Lancaster said.
“But we are ready for the challenge of playing a top-quality side in New Zealand and are excited about playing at Twickenham.”
In all, there are seven survivors from the starting XV that enjoyed an England record 38-21 win over New Zealand at Twickehnham last year in Ashton, a try-scorer in that match, full-back Mike Brown, fly-half Owen Farrell, captain Chris Robshaw, back-row Tom Wood, lock Joe Launchbury and Cole.
That defeat represents the All Blacks’ only loss in 33 Tests since August 2011 — the year they won the World Cup.
They are now aiming for a 13th straight win this year.
England, meanwhile, are looking to make it 10 wins out of 11 this weekend and record their seventh straight victory at Twickenham.
“The atmosphere was amazing for this game last year – the crowd made a real difference and I’m sure they can help inspire us again on Saturday,” Lancaster said.
England
Mike Brown; Chris Ashton, Joel Tomkins, Billy Twelvetrees, Ben Foden; Owen Farrell, Lee Dickson; Billy Vunipola, Chris Robshaw (capt), Tom Wood; Courtney Lawes, Joe Launchbury; Dan Cole, Dylan Hartley, Joe Marler. Res: Tom Youngs, Matt Mullan, David Wilson, Geoff Parling, Ben Morgan, Ben Youngs, Toby Flood, Alex Goode
