Henry Slade set for All Blacks test this Saturday
- Henry Slade has been chosen to play against New Zealand after recovering from shoulder surgery.
- Ben Spencer will make his first start as scrum-half after impressing with Bath.
- The England coach believes Slade's selection is not a risk and expresses confidence in the team’s preparation.
On October 29, 2024, England's head coach Steve Borthwick announced his selection for the upcoming match against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium. Henry Slade, who has been limited to just 55 minutes of play this season due to shoulder surgery, has been deemed fit and ready to contribute significantly to the team's efforts. Borthwick emphasized that Slade's experience makes him a crucial player, dismissing concerns about his limited game time. The coach expressed confidence in Slade's current physical state, asserting that he is in fantastic condition and energized for the match. In another notable selection, Ben Spencer has been named the starting scrum-half, marking his first start in seven Tests for England. Having impressed during his tenure with Bath, Spencer’s experience from previous seasons has contributed to Borthwick's choice. The coach highlighted that Spencer’s familiarity with the squad and leadership qualities are assets as England prepares to face a fierce opponent. Additionally, Borthwick confirmed that Ollie Chessum will be absent from the autumn lineup due to knee surgery. Meanwhile, Sam Underhill, who has previously been part of the back row in all eight Tests this year, will not be in the squad due to ongoing recovery from an ankle operation. The selection strategy indicates an intention to ensure depth and physicality in the squad for the challenging matches ahead. The England team’s preparation reflects a concerted effort to address previous narrow losses to the All Blacks by establishing a robust bench that balances forwards and backs effectively, aiming to match New Zealand’s physical gameplay in the later stages of the match.