Fin Baxter replaces Joe Marler in England's starting side ahead of crucial match against New Zealand

In preparation for the upcoming second Test against New Zealand, England's head coach Steve Borthwick has intensified efforts to unsettle the All Blacks by highlighting the pressure of expectation they face at their formidable Eden Park fortress. Borthwick, following a narrow 16-15 defeat in Dunedin, has made a strategic change by introducing Fin Baxter at loosehead prop in place of the injured Joe Marler. The coach's confidence in his team is evident as he engages in mind games to challenge New Zealand's dominance at the historic venue, emphasizing the weight of anticipation on the home team. Baxter, a 22-year-old making his international debut, showcased promising skills despite England's scrum facing pressure from the All Blacks. Another notable adjustment sees the inclusion of Rodd on the bench, providing loosehead cover after being initially omitted in Dunedin. Borthwick's decision not to include Dan Cole in the front row, despite Baxter's inexperience, highlights the Leicester tighthead's imminent milestone of becoming England's second most capped male player with his 115th appearance. Meanwhile, Marcus Smith's performance posed a threat to New Zealand in attack, contributing significantly to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try that secured a lead, although his kicking accuracy faltered with missed opportunities. The England XV lineup for the upcoming match in Auckland features key players such as Jamie George, Maro Itoje, and Ben Earl, with the team aiming to capitalize on their strengths and exploit any vulnerabilities in the All Blacks' game. As anticipation builds for the crucial Test, Borthwick's strategic maneuvers and player selections set the stage for an intense and closely contested encounter between the two rugby powerhouses.