Farrell to win 100th England cap against New Zealand, Retallick returns to hit century for All Blacks

By Sports Desk November 17, 2022

Owen Farrell and Brodie Retallick will win their 100th caps when England and New Zealand do battle at Twickenham on Saturday.

Retallick returns from a three-week suspension for his red card against Japan last month and will become just the 12th player to hit a century of appearances for the All Blacks.

Farrell will win his 100th cap alongside the returning Manu Tuilagi in England's midfield, while 21-year-old scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet will make his third appearance after an impressive start to his international career.

Vice-captain Jack Nowell will start in England's back three, along with Jonny May and Freddie Steward, after recovering from an injury that forced him out of the comprehensive 52-13 victory over Japan last weekend.

Maro Itoje is moved back into the second row as Sam Simmonds is set to start at blindside flanker, while Billy Vunipola takes the number eight jersey.

For the All Blacks, Retallick's return means he and captain Sam Whitelock will set a new world record of starting 64 Test matches together, previously held by South Africa's Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield.

Mark Telea will hope to follow up his two-try debut as he starts on the wing again, while Retallick's milestone appearance means Scott Barrett will play the blindside flanker role.

 

England team: Freddie Steward, Jack Nowell, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (captain), Jonny May, Marcus Smith, Jack van Poortvliet; Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Jonny Hill, Sam Simmonds, Tom Curry, Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, Will Stuart, David Ribbans, Jack Willis, Ben Youngs, Guy Porter, Henry Slade.

New Zealand team: Beauden Barrett, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith; Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Dalton Papali'i, Ardie Savea.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Bower, Nepo Laulala, Shannon Frizell, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, David Havili, Anton Lienert-Brown.

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