Wallace Sititi benched as All Blacks make changes for England Test

Twickenham awaits the All Blacks in the penultimate week of their Grand Slam tour, and the team has welcomed back their captain among a handful of changes for the occasion.

Selectors have also brought back Simon Parker on the blindside flank, with Wallace Sititi returning to the bench. Barrett’s return at lock moves Josh Lord to the reserve unit.

In the backline, Caleb Clarke’s injury has paved the way for Billy Proctor to return to the No.13 jersey, with Leicester Fainga’anuku shifted to the left wing. One more change sees Anton Lienert-Brown come into the No.22 jersey.

Outside of the changes, it’s a familiar matchday 23 for New Zealand, with Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell starting in the front row. Fabian Holland retains his place in the second row, alongside Barrett. Parker, Ardie Savea and Peter Lakai have been named as the starting loose forward trio.

Cam Roigard and Beauden Barrett will start at half back and first five, respectively, feeding the midfield of Quinn Tupaea and Billy Proctor. Outside them, Fainga’anuku joins Leroy Carter and Will Jordan in a well-balanced back three.

“Twickenham is one of the iconic venues in world rugby and there is nothing quite like hearing 80,000 fans singing ‘Swing Low’ to get the adrenaline pumping,” All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said.

“Recent games against England have been incredibly close-fought, and both teams are coming off a run of wins, so we are expecting an epic clash on Saturday afternoon. We will embrace the atmosphere and the occasion.”

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