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06 Sept 2025

Slade and Feyi-Waboso start for England

Steve Borthwick has picked Henry Slade in his first fifteen

Steve Borthwick has picked Henry Slade in his first fifteen

Exeter Chiefs stars Henry Slade and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso have both been named to start for England in their Autumn Nation Series opener against the All Blacks.

England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team to play New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday 2 November (kick-off 3.10pm, live on TNT Sports).

Jamie George will lead England as captain, supported by four vice-captains: Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge and George Ford.

In the front row, George is named at hooker alongside Genge atloosehead prop and Will Stuart at tighthead. At lock, Itoje partners George Martin.The back row seesChandler Cunningham-South on the blindside flank, with Tom Curry at openside and Earl at No.8.

In the half-back positions, scrum-half Ben Spencer is paired with Marcus Smith at 10. The midfield sees Ollie Lawrence named at inside centrewithHenry Slade at 13.

In the back three, Immanuel Feyi-Wabosostarts on the right wing, with Tommy Freeman on the left and George Furbankselected at full-back to complete the starting lineup.

Theo Dan, Fin Baxter, Dan Cole, Nick Isiekwe, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Harry Randall, and George Fordtaketheir places on a 6-2 split bench.

“We’re excited for the challenge of playing against one of the best teams in world rugby,” said Borthwick.

“We’ll need to be accurate, keep our discipline, and maintain a level of intensity throughout the match, from the first whistle to the final moment.

"With just two games at Allianz Stadium in our last 15, it’s fantastic to be returning to play in front of our home crowd again. The energy and passion of our supporters always gives the team an extra lift.”


England:

15. George Furbank(Northampton Saints, 11 caps)

14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 6 caps)

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 65 caps)

12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 27 caps)

11. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)

10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 35 caps)

9. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 6 caps)


1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)– vice-captain

2. Jamie George (Saracens, 93 caps) – captain

3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 41 caps)

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 84 caps)– vice-captain

5.George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)

6. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 7 caps)

7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 53 caps)

8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 33 caps)– vice-captain


Replacements:

16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 14 caps)

17. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 2 caps)

18. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 115 caps)

19. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 11 caps)

20. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps)

21. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 17 caps)

22. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 7 caps)

23. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 96 caps) – vice captain 

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