Certain matches serve as defining milestones in a team’s development. South Africa’s last-minute draw against New Zealand in Wellington in 2019, for example, captured the spirit of the Springboks’ transformation under Rassie Erasmus, which culminated in a World Cup victory later that year.
While today’s contest falls midway through a World Cup cycle for coaches Steve Borthwick and Scott Robertson, a victory at Twickenham would still be a significant statement for either side. England is on an impressive unbeaten run since the opening weekend of the Six Nations, a streak that includes a tour to Argentina without their Lions contingent and a recent victory over Australia. Despite this success, doubts persist about the consistency and quality of Borthwick’s game plan against top-tier opposition.
New Zealand’s recent form has been inconsistent. Their 2025 campaign has featured wins in the Rugby Championship but also their heaviest-ever defeat against South Africa. The All Blacks have struggled to establish a discernible playing style under Robertson, often lacking clear structure. However, their traditional arsenal of exceptional talent is frequently enough to overcome any tactical shortcomings and secure a win.
For England, this match is an opportunity to prove their recent improvements are substantive. For New Zealand, the pressure to win is a constant, intrinsic part of their identity.
Team Lineups
England
- Starting XV: Freddie Steward; Tom Roebuck, Ollie Lawrence, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; George Ford, Alex Mitchell; Fin Baxter, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Sam Underhill, Ben Earl.
- Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Henry Pollock, Ben Spencer, Marcus Smith.
New Zealand
- Starting XV: Will Jordan, Leroy Carter, Billy Proctor, Quinn Tupaea, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard, Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Peter Lakai.
- Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie.
Match Officials
- Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR)
- Assistants: Luc Ramos (FFR), Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)
- TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)
