ENGLAND TEAM FOR NZ | SELECTION REACTION

Steve Borthwick bringing the power moves again, naming his team to playthe All Blacks on Tuesday f game week. Changes to talk about too!

[@rolandjohannes6734]

Seriously, your channel has become my go to channel in all things rugby. Thanks so much!!! Greetings from a South African living in Germany

[@LourensBester]

Glad you're enjoying South Africa! Would be 100% down for a separate video where you just show your tourism experience.

[@user-qe1tv1bu2f]

No thanks, stick to 🏉

[@LourensBester]

@@user-qe1tv1bu2f You don't have to watch

[@BrendenEngelbrecht]

@@user-qe1tv1bu2f What a hater :D

[@JD-qn5dv]

Wonder how much of it is avoiding certain places or people 😂

[@Alias-gy3tz]

@@JD-qn5dv What are you trying to say? Say what you mean, and mean what you say.

[@elmebreytenbach8782]

What joy to hear all your experiences and commentary. BRILLIANT. Am80 yrs and still rugby and cricket besotted .SA is the best🎉

[@Lucky0Wretch]

Tim, I have to say, you are such a good ambassador for not only rugby but English rugby. There was a time when I would rather the Springboks lose to anyone but England. I still feel that way, but thanks to you, my heart has softened to them as a team somewhat.

[@johanschoeman869]

Even if I am a die hard Bok supporter, I will never think of the AB's ever being anything less than formidable, especially at home. England will have to play out of there socks to bag a win. I hope England will do well as i think it will make the global rugby much more interesting. I think the odds favor the AB's. May the best team win and the referee on his best behavior😅😅.

[@ho6277]

My south african friends always tell me refs don't win games😅but it depends who wins right

[@wot4922]

Tim, you're looking completely at peace and chilled at the game reserve.😂🇿🇦

[@Alias-gy3tz]

The bush is the best place in the world, how can he not be?

[@ama-dablam-2012]

"peace and chilled", is that "calm before the storm. Suspect no one has told him that he's either gonna be breakfast for the lions tomorrow, or a travel rug for the hippos

[@Moamanly]

This kiwi would be horrified were England to win 2-0. Because the ABs have only just assembled and will go in cold, I am expecting a tight tussle at Dunedin and a better NZ performance at Auckland. But if England want to win one-this weekend would be the time!

[@mungoblizzard6114]

Yeah definitely- we always play ass game 1, heck we’ve been ass the last few years now

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

And, the Kiwi public would immediately label it a 'Shock Loss'. What is so shocking about the All Blacks losing to the better team? Are the All Blacks just never allowed to lose at home and seemingly entitled to automatically win simply because it's in NZ? And will the same atrocious treatment that was applied to Foster be scorched onto Robertson if the All Blacks lose? Will John Kirwan struggle to compliment the English?

[@user-oc6vl2th1s]

Of course we Kiwis expect nay demand that no northern tossers should win . Indeed it is deeply offensive when Khoi lot even put yourselves in the same world as AB or Box 6:48

[@Narapoia1]

I reckon it's going to be an easy win for the ABs. Might be some nerves but Razor is a great coach and with the players he has at his disposal I can't see England being able to compete. As a Bok fan I wish fozzie had been made coach for life.

[@phillipsugwas]

England must set a course, for an outcomes style, and regardless of shortcomings in the short term just carry doggedly on. Time to resume the founder's crown....

[@Gilescowdemdem]

What an endorsement of Sleightholme and his ability to slot into the systems. Must feel for Roebuck but Sleightholme clearly offers something in the pace department and Roebuck has plenty of time on his side. Overall it's the best team we have right now, really happy with the selections.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Agree totally.

[@henryburton6529]

Yeah I agree - great selection. I give England a 1 in 3 chance of test victory, I'd take 2 good performances. Anything less will be disappointing

[@mattp7828]

I'm looking forward to the bench coming on the final 20, Sleightholme rampaging through gaps will be something to see. I fancy us to win the 1st game and lose the 2nd.

[@henryburton6529]

@@mattp7828 "I fancy us to win the 1st game and lose the 2nd." not out of the question - I'd be very happy with that.

[@Gilescowdemdem]

@@henryburton6529 yeh, agree. Even 2x losses but both games being tight is a kind of win. Honestly, though, I'm closer to 50/50. AB's haven't played together for a while so questions about their cohesion. England should seriously be targeting this first game and make it as ugly as possible.

[@TheSward94]

I’m just happy to see positive comments about an England team 😁 can’t wait for the games I am quietly confident

[@tinoswartz5546]

Hi good to see you enjoying your time in our country I love your content and look forward to watching your videos

[@austinwilson2971]

Saw the England team was out and immediately came to KZbin to find your reaction! Can't wait for the game.

[@neilshrekpurves4521]

NZ fans don't think the way you do Tim 😂, no " Honeymoon" results from day 1 or nothing

[@danielschormann2925]

We went to Abelana river lodge (which is in the same reserve on the same river) for our Honeymoon and it was amazing. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a 5 star safari experience.

[@user-ec9nc6tw5o]

Hi Tim, the dropping was from an elephant. Hippo's spread their droppings. Great content and thanks for your inputs.

[@supersox31]

loving all the Africa updates, Tim. I will be living vicariously through your channel for as long as you’re there!

[@jayfarthing]

Re: Marler and Cole, I think there is more to it than just spreading the Scrumming ability. I think there may be a level of not wanting them both on the pitch at the same time for more open field play, neither are the most mobile around the pitch and I'm pretty sure I've seen both over the past few years just get shown up in defence by quicker players. So perhaps makes sense to keep them separated on both accounts? Looking forward to the series though, I expect NZ to get get one or both wins so I'll not be disapointed if England lose. I just want to see England put up a good fight and play with some flair, something they've done a reasonable job of over the past year. Keep building!

[@peterp9918]

I'd be delighted if England manage to win a test but I think the more important thing is that they continue their development from the Irish and French games in the Six Nations. Really excited about this tour.

[@user-qe1tv1bu2f]

Eng will get flattened

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

​@@user-qe1tv1bu2fsays who? Is it an automatic win because the match is in NZ? What happened to respecting the opposition?

[@user-eq9jv5uf7d]

@@elscruffomcscruffy8371 Hope you are bringing that same energy to all the SA fans predicting a "Twikenham" result against the Irish Scruff, wouldnt want to be a hypocrite would you.

[@nzmera1]

In Nz their is no honeymoon period for any All Black coach. The Nz public is very knowledgeable about rugby. If you lose to England on home soil it will be like when we lost against Ireland. You know what was the fallout after that series. The Nz public is hard on the any All Black team. Razor has a whole year to prepare so no excuses. The All black coach is one of the hardest job in this country.

[@tiomiguel999]

"Razor has a whole year to prepare so no excuses" - Get a grip, mate - the AB's have only just come together as a group. Chiefs fan, right?

[@mungoblizzard6114]

@@tiomiguel999I recon + He has to dig em out of the Hole Foster put them in

[@tiomiguel999]

@@mungoblizzard6114 Yes - and I can't wait to see the new up-tempo game the new coaches are putting together. About time a bunch of the NZR board resigned like they're supposed to, too..

[@nzmera1]

@@tiomiguel999 Razor was announce All Black coach March last year. They had All black training camp before the start of Super Rugby this year. So that long enough time to get a game plan in place for each team they play this year. The All black coaches has been in regular contact with players. I understand rust with new combinations for the first test. No All black coach has ever had easy ride so why should it stop. It’s one of the hardest job in the country.

[@tiomiguel999]

@@nzmera1 You're a Chiefs fan though, right?

[@tayodavy6763]

Great vid Tim. I'm 50 years old and 15 down to 9, then 1 up to 8 was a standard team sheet in my SE London public school back in late 80s and early 90s.😉 Let the boys number!

[@bjornhoffmann6008]

AB props are great btw! If that's a weakness for England then it will be exploited

[@scottmiller4766]

Agreed, I think the ENG. front row is going to be under a lot of pressure.

[@indigojac08]

Stuart is a relative weakness But watch out for Baxter on the bench He's starting for Quins over Marler and he's been taking names all season

[@johnwagenhauser9835]

Thanks for giving SA such a great review! Mouth watering rugby this weekend! Hope our boy does well in Wimbledon!

[@fraserposford144]

Sleightholme for Roebuck and Spencer for Randall feels pre-planned. Seems like Borthwick wanted to reward Premiership form from the former and time in camp by giving them minutes vs Japan whereas he sees the latter ahead of them currently. Excited for Fin Baxter, making your debut away against the ABs is a tough challenge but this guy seems to be something special so hopefully he can rise to the occasion.

[@henrymilleruk100]

Love these changes - huge opportunity. Never been a better time to take a slightly unknown and not fully formed NZ. Going to learn so much about both sets of players, coaches and tactics

[@Burninglash]

NZ fixed their forwards issue just before the world cup .. they will be lacking some cohesion but formidable. England has an opportunity to get a win. Good luck

[@iallso1]

I am so used to team lists being written 1 to 15. I started reading the team list here and couldn't read the numbers being in red, got down to #6 and went Marcus Smith is playing on the flank. Lol.

[@indigojac08]

We've got Eddie Jones back, obviously

[@gtestastretta1]

AB’s fan here. I think your boys may get a win in the first test. All the best anyway!

[@johnryle4249]

I saw a microcosm of the prop issue about 15 years ago working at Newcastle uni. One of the better rugby universities in England, probably top.10, at their open day only had 2 tightheads out of 300 players who turned up. They were good to be fair, but the pool was shockingly tiny.

[@somanytakennames]

If Scott Robertson wasn’t coaching the All Blacks I’d be feeling a lot more confident of a win in Dunedin. His record with the Crusaders speaks for itself and if there’s anyone who can get the All Blacks to hit the ground running, it’s him.

[@EnglishVeteran]

We need a Hippo in the Front Row.

[@jukeseyable]

2 would be better, they are chunky units, even a young one would do a job, if you have his mum on the other side, what could go wrong. 🤣

[@Jack-qv5ru]

We’ve got Joe marler

[@hikurukutai]

@@Jack-qv5ru the size of that turd are certain Joe is in NZ lol

[@peterobrien4736]

ABs usually name team on Thursday. Look forward to your assessment Tim. This is going to be an awesome series, starting to smell the linament allready mate... theres a real feeling building. Ps keep any eye out on those lions Tim, especially if you have to go to the outhouse at night.

[@simoncritchlow1688]

Big day for the ref and his team. The decisions they make on the scrum and the breakdown and how the two teams respond will be critical.

[@AndyFairlie]

Have a fantastic time in Africa on safari broo! Looking forward to the weekend of rugby ahead

[@mattcheesman1055]

I love the David Attenborough nature part. 😀

[@Mr-Flibble]

England Vs New Zealand needs to happen more often. 3 matches in 10 years (1 of which was a World Cup match), is not enough.

[@brianbarbarich1401]

Thanks Tim. Enjoy yourself with the animals. Cheers from Durban.🐆🦓🦒🦏🐘🦁🐵🕊🐦🐸🦎🐍

[@Astone12]

You looking well relaxed Tim. You are in a very special part of the world. The energy there is unique. Enjoy every second eggchaser. England will put up a good fight but NZs pain is grander then England's and this will drive them to victory. It's the way NZ tap into their pain. Noticable in how they lost to SA at Twik, hammered actually and then how they pulled it back in the WC. The pain of the world cup is still vastly present within the camps and I feel that'll be strong motivation for NZ to achieve victory. Not only are they seeking victory but they want a decisive one. Tough ask for E.

[@richardfynn4711]

That bird calling is a crested francolin - lovely call!

[@dimitardobrev3296]

🤣 love that elephant landscaping bit. I see you're getting a wee bit of a winter tan there Tim! Suits you.

[@jeremybadley9899]

"Basketcase Bowl" 😄 too good

[@martinward9541]

Will Stuart is the only prop who worries me a little. He can be a bit hit and miss depending on the contact he gets. Whereas Cole can recover from a dodgy first contact. However, he's 27 now so maybe he'll start to be more consistent. Cole and Marler weren't the finished product when they first arrived on the scene, either. I think Finn Baxter will have a great time if he manages his nerves & I think he will. Good luck to both teams, this should be a lot of fun!

[@kerrieleemaxwell6846]

The All blacks coming in cold for the first test against the poms and a good time to beat the kiwi's... BUT England will have to be at their very best for 80 min plus, or the Blacks will annihilate them.. Good luck to both teams.. All Blacks fan here..

[@timta50ylor]

There is no tolerance for an AB loss, especially at home, to England and 'Razer' knows this!

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

I like that word, tolerance. Will the same tolerance be given to Robertson as received by Foster? A 70% win record is still a good achievement. But anything under 100% is perceived a failure in the eyes of a kiwi fan haha

[@whitebear5405]

I feel like Steve Borthwick is doing the complete opposite of Eddie Jones where he is bring new players in to training squads then bringing them back in later on down the line and bedding them in carefully. Its actually refreshing to see. I feel like this is a strong squad despite the front row issues. That being said Stuart is a better scrummager than Sinkler and Baxter is the next big thing at loose head. Hopefully he can do a job. Good luck England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@rogerwilliamcoates5724]

Don't know much about the rest of the team, or selections in general, but I had to smile when I saw Marler selected to start. To me Borthwick's logic here is to gain some kind of ascendance over the young Kiwi props that will start. You might get "older' , and slower wearing the small numbers (as I found out myself, but you certainly get smarter. And while he comes across as a bit of a clown, he can certainly scrummage...just a though. Can't wait for Saturday and the dawn of a new AB era and watching in person at the Garden of Pain a week later. cheers from NZ

[@trentsutton896]

Kiwi here and a big England rugby fan, love the characters they have In There team specially marler and coles! And hoping England do well ! It’s going to be close. I think If England can win there first 1 then they will win both.

[@fraserposford144]

For the series, I can't say I massively mind the result, it's more about the way England play and how they continue to evolve from the limited gameplan they had at the World Cup. Get the young talent in there, test out the combinations, find out what works and what doesn’t, build for November and next year's Six Nations.

[@scionoforion]

Im so excited for this game. I think England have a genuine chance to pick up the first test in Dunedin, we dont start well traditionally. Razor has picked a big squad however, and theres genuine excitement to see how he will evolve all black rugby

[@mgibn07]

Elephant special type of landscaping 😂

[@jukeseyable]

probably got government contracts all sown up🤣

[@noelburland7169]

I think this will be a close series. Traditionally the All Blacks can be a bit rusty in their first test of the year, so the English will look at trying to catch them off guard in Dunedin. The English are a good side and should not be taken lightly. There will be a lot of nervous energy in the All Blacks' coaching group as this is their first test match together. It's also a proper clean slate for the first time in 20 years in the coaching environment. Scott Robertson made nearly every post a winner as Crusaders coach, only missing out on a shoehorned in Super Rugby Trans Tasman series in 2021 while New Zealand and Australia opened up a short-lived travel bubble in the middle of the Covid pandemic. He will be better supported by the fans than Ian Foster was, so you may be right about him being given some leniency, but part of what has made the All Blacks so successful over their whole existence is the expectation they win most of, if not all of their games. If Razor starts to get a similar record to Fozzie's previously, things might turn ugly here lol. I think he will re-energize this All Blacks team and they will need it as they have a challenging test match season ahead.

[@Burninglash]

If you have not been warned, never get between a hippo and the water especially in the early morning.

[@iainhirons9909]

So outdoor showers are out of the question…..and I did fancy an early morning dip in the river…..guess that’s a no no…….

[@MA-ik7ys]

England will get dominated! Bring it! But seriously, looking forward to it.

[@henryburton6529]

Classic SH lack of class

[@MA-ik7ys]

@@henryburton6529 ahhhhhahaha this coming from the NH who bleated on all pre world cup about the amazingness of Ireland and the demise of SH rugby only to be a complete non showing in the final. Suck it. 4 more years. Ive never seen a group pat themselves on the back more than the NH BEFORE winning NOTHING !!! Ahhhhahaha

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

​@@MA-ik7ysyet, look at the Pools and matches played by either team. Ireland had the tougher pool. All Blacks toughest game was France first up with reasonably easier matches to follow. England a very good chance to beat the All Blacks in Dunedin. I'm eager to see the heat applied to Robertson if they lose. All Blacks aren't allowed to lose at home according to fans

[@MA-ik7ys]

@@elscruffomcscruffy8371 Ireland's pool wasnt tougher. Yiu just dont make mince meat of the easy teams like the all blacks do. Look at England squeak past italy lately. Oh such a good team! Meanwhile nz out a hundred on them.

[@MA-ik7ys]

@@elscruffomcscruffy8371 are you serious? You played Scotland and south Africa lol your pools werent any different lol

[@mattmasksforehead620]

I reckon this game is the big one for England and dictates the whole tour. If we lose in Dunedin we have next to no chance at Eden Park. On the other hand, if we can spring an upset in the first game, all the pressure goes on New Zealand and Borthwick has the luxury of keeping Razor guessing as to whether he sticks or twists on his gameplan & selection for the wind & rain in Auckland.

[@chrise7058]

I really like the look of this team. At last we are moving forward with an attacking approach hopefully. I just wonder if Ford will be 10 next year if Marcus goes well.

[@Stephno86]

Great looking side, best of luck England :)

[@jamesorr4061]

It's so good to look at the team sheet and feel excited!

[@williamjfrancefilm]

Im very quietly confident; I think it's the best England 23 in a long, long time. Personally I'm so happy Fin Baxter has earned his spot in that 23, because he's been an absolute rock for us at Quins this season. I think we’ve got a really good balance of forward and back play. Then again NZ are always capable of pulling something out the bag, so we need to be on them from minute 1.

[@phillipsugwas]

And minute 82 as well

[@kylerein2034]

I'm more than quietly confident that the All Blacks will absolutely smash England

[@MrFubber]

It's a testament to Brothwick that we can even contemplate winning in NZ given where England were 18 months ago. Realistically England will have to be near perfect and NZ a bit off for an England win and I worry that the front row may be a whistle magnet. We shall see.

[@davidwalker2402]

On what are you basing that, you got hammered by Scotland you beat Ireland in twickenham with a last second drop goal , the match against France was just France going kamikase , remember France just drew with Italy in their previous game so what I see is once again much over confidence in a team that still has not proven itself , England have an unbeaten run of 1. But maybe you can explain where this confidence has come from .

[@MrFubber]

@@davidwalker2402 it's the pace of improvement under Borthwick and having more players that pick themselves in the starting 15. The way they started the 6 nations was poor and a world cup hangover, trying to find their feet without Farrell anchoring the side. The win against Ireland was significant. I choose to be optimistic.

[@fierdragpykeoryas7130]

@@davidwalker2402I think you make a really good point we started off rocky, and NZ may do the same under a new coach. And if England turn up their best then there’s a real chance took the best team in the world to a 1point game and beat Ireland recently, and our team looks better now than when we played those games.

[@karatekid-nq6ct]

@@davidwalker2402 In your first sentence there's already a lie, England had the penalty advantage so that drop goal wasn't some last second luck, it was just flashy. I'm a saffa but your arrogance is hilarious, the guy said he's optimistic while giving NZ praise. NZ also haven't proven themselves, got Argentina in the semis and an entire extra day's rest and failed to win a rwc yet again. And before you talk about cards, we were carded twice too, so all up you didn't play with 1 man less for the entire game, but we had to play without a hooker or line out for the entire 80 cause the current ab's aren't near as good as 10 years ago, so now they try to cheat and get caught every single time 😂

[@davidwalker2402]

@@karatekid-nq6ct NZ have beaten the shit out of SA since the year dot, their record speaks for itself. A tiny nation an in comparison to SA a tiny pool of rugby players and yet SA won the WC beating France by a point England by a point and 14 men NZ by a point, but it doesn’t stop ridiculing Saffas trying to put others in their place. You forgot or just read my post wrong go back and read it again. It was the poster that said the coach gave England the confidence to go out and beat NZ not the poster. But you’re to ignorant to read what was said once again a Saffa who thinks the rest of the rugby world knows nothing 🤣

[@enzed2708]

England fans seem to think they might have a chance in NZ, but it's a very slim to no chance in my opinion. The AB's have a very experienced team, along with the same forwards coach in Jason Ryan. They may start a bit rusty, but their experience and home town advantage will see them easily take the win.

[@Shamankzn]

I have to say that the Borthwick selections are so much more mindful than the spray-and-hope selections under Eddie. You can see what he is trying to do here and it looks good. World rugby seems to be in a good place with coaching stocks at the moment, Razor also seems to be selecting for a game plan. The AB's always seem to need a game to get into their stride and this is Englands opportunity to knock them over. There is a reason that so few sides win in NZ though, and English fans would do well to bare that in mind when judging outcomes from this tour. Am I alone in missing the old school mid-week games that used to do such a fine job of whetting the apetite for the tests?

[@somersetfan1]

Also with Eddie Jones, refuse to play when banging at door and exclude for no good reason. E.g. Earl, Mitchell, Care, Randall, Simmonds, Spencer... etc.

[@mcolt8325]

No one talking about how England’s start 6 wasn’t even picked for his prem rugby team in NZ for his last year of school, what an amazing story!

[@IverKnackerov]

England have to aim to win both tests. That’s not arrogance - it’s just what any international top tier team must take to the pitch with. Who actually wins depends on which forward pack gets the upper hand …..NZ props and Savea versus England’s balanced back row and possible slight edge at lock.

[@speak_your_truth.]

Well DOH.....

[@tomorrow3582]

It's a fair point. We can be so negative as a nation that I'm sure teams have gone to NZ in the past with aims such as "putting in a good performance" or "being competitive" instead of backing themselves to win against the odds.

[@tomorrow3582]

Don't underestimate how much sharper their backs will be in attack than ours... But I watched the Super Rugby final and there was no impetus in defence. If we are to win we have to obliterate them in defence and Underhill has to do a number on them at the breakdown. The only times I've ever seen the ABs lose is because the defence and breakdown were so aggressive they had no time on the ball. If they've got time to play their game, they will win. If we can rattle them, slow ball down and sack their backline, we've got a chance. That's not to say we need to play negative rugby by the way, we still need to play heads-up in attack, NZ gonna score tries and we need to do the same, 3 point increments aren't going to cut it but off the ball we need to be brutal and that's where we have an edge.

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

Do they? I disagree. One win would be enough to rattle the Kiwi public and reveal true thoughts. All Blacks are allowed to lose you know

[@speak_your_truth.]

@@elscruffomcscruffy8371 why do England care about the thoughts of the Kiwi public? England have their own aims and goals. It's not always about the Kiwis don't you know. 🤫

[@bvbvcpp]

New Zealand will be super fit and will come out firing to tire the English forwards and use their heavier props in the second half

[@tobyhart]

As long as Ireland don't deliver a giant steaming turd, I'll be ok. I rely on Farell's hippocampus.

[@AffectionateMountainRang-xv8gv]

Love yr chanel from SA

[@joshuaaustin5647]

My prediction: NZ will dominate England and everyone will be saying, “Why on Earth did we even think England had a chance of winning?” And if this prediction ages badly, I don’t mind.

[@EmihleNtingi]

loved the comment but hate the fact that you couldnt support your stance to the end pitiful display

[@joshuaaustin5647]

@@EmihleNtingi 😂😂😂

[@BootsontheTable]

Agree with all your comments on the selections Tim. Seems like Randell paid the price for his poor kicking against japan. I was surprised Baxter didn’t get a first cap vs Japan but exciting to see him play. I think England might just get Tye first match, I hope so! Enjoy SA

[@AC-hu3xk]

Dan had an interesting game ,2019 final with SA. 😊.

[@richardho5955]

C’mon England! Give it your all! 🇬🇧💪🏉🇿🇦

[@henryburton6529]

Cole and Marler should both be England consultants as soon as they retire. Not full time but brought into every camp to mentor the younger props.

[@mungoblizzard6114]

And talk show hosts

[@henryburton6529]

@@mungoblizzard6114 🤣what they do for their day job is up to them - but they must be forced by law to mentor young England props about modern scrummaging

[@mungoblizzard6114]

@@henryburton6529 haha they’re the reason I watch the England training camps/day in the life whatever you call them

[@henryburton6529]

@@mungoblizzard6114 Coles pod is good too - Marler is always value on whatever he's doing - he's slightly mental

[@bernardwhitcomb3258]

They should rather get some SA props to consult 😂

[@Thudsrayz]

Good signs for England, although the scrum looks light. Expecting NZ wins, but if England get lineouts and kicking right, that seems a weakness for NZ based on super rugby this year

[@johansenekal1319]

Those birds making the noise in the beginning of the video are called Guinea Fowls.

[@kylenaude8345]

They're Francolin's, similar type of bird though

[@CharlCrowie1]

Nice to see Sleightholme being rewarded, he had an amazing season in the premiership

[@murraycampbell4043]

Welcome to South Africa! Did you enjoy Craven week?

[@Scyon13]

The way that lineup is set out in the graphic is diabolical

[@pietsmit5587]

You write the ABs off at your own peril...but its probably Englands best ever chance. But i still think the SH will rule.

[@dunlaoghaire]

Amazing backrow

[@j.k.jerome2093]

"I'm here from the Bush in South Africa" Tim rests for no man 😂

[@jayrob5270]

Most AB fans would expect to win both games and you are right a win for England should be seen as a very good result for you guys as you are 2 or 3 below us in the rankings. There is no "honeymoon" period for All Black coaches just contracts, New Zealand rugby fans are ruthless, we even complain non stop when we win god forbid we lose a game.

[@lukeperks1915]

I hope we didn’t just cap roebuck to stop Scotland capping him. Delighted for Baxter though he’s had some big games against some big names this year. Fully deserved.

[@iallso1]

It would be significant if England were tomwin at Eden Park, the ABs haven't lost there since 1994.

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

Serious question: DMac obviously starting at AB 10, but what is the depth like behind him? Is BBBB playing fullback or Flyhalf? And who is 3rd string flyhalf?

[@murraysmith595]

Perofeta is the 3rd 10 in the Squad. We have a couple more 10s that could do a job, But are not worldclass in Plummer who lead the Blues to the Title and Brett Cameron. Fergus Burke looked promising but he's signed for Saracens. We also have 3 or 4 very promising young 10s a couple of years off test level. I see Razor luring Mounga back in time for the Worldcup though. He was his main man at the Crusaders winning 6 titles straight.

[@user-jt3px6wp1o]

Love where you're staying

[@johannolivier377]

Any team with Marcus Smith has a chance against any other team. I love watching that guy, and I have green blood. He scares me whenever he takes the field. I do not believe he has played to his full potential.

[@adamwhittington4399]

One area I think england may have the (marginal) edge is lineouts. NZ have lost whitelock and retallick which is huge and Borthwick is a line out guru. Other than that, I am absolutely terrified of dmak and beauden cutting us open in The loose and I'm preying flelix Jones has had enough time with the team. Need to see a wc semifinal type performance to even come close in this one. So IMO if england can put in back to back performances like that, even a narrow loss is something to build on going forward.

[@andrews1289]

Its give or take the strongest team Eng have at the minute. Seems Borthwick wants to rotate his strongest props rather than starting both. Excited to see what Finn Baxter can do he's really stood up in some big Europen ties for Quins. I'd also echo what others have said about catching NZ cold, lots of the old gaurd have retired plus a new coaching ticket. I've not watched much Super Rugby since the SA teams left, NZ still and will always produce quality players cant help but thinking not getting consistently tested in the domestic league is going to have an impact on the national side. Any test win in NZ would be huge, they dont loose at Eden park so I guess they need to won this weekend!

[@ianeveratt7273]

I see it as a three test series, so 1 all over the next fortnight and the decider in the autumn

[@bull010163]

Huge game for Stuart at the coalface, can he cope at the top level can he do the required job in this key position. If not England have some severe problems going forward, whatever the prety boys produce.

[@arceyes]

The Kiwi pundits reckon the ABs can only win 9/10 of the 14 tests this year. England have a sniff against Razors rusty squad. And complimentary bush poo for all of our visitors 😂 I hope you’re enjoying your stay in SA.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

The first test will be difficult as they have only been together for one and a bit weeks

[@vinniechan]

I think Stuart has been quietly good for England Generally solid in the set piece and did a fair bit of work in defence

[@benrawson007]

If England win 1 test it's a great result. If they take NZ to the wire in both games it's a good result. No team in the world will be going to NZ expecting to win the series, some will think they stand a very good chance e.g Irl/SA but to expect to win the series down there is very very confident (maybe even arrogant).

[@GiuseppeGaribaldi46664]

Jack Willis 🫤 This woeful eligibility policy burns in SA hearts too

[@darthmong7196]

That's the way teams have always been numbered...hasn't it?

[@orlandosadie6283]

Francolin calling there. I am cheering for ENG again like I did against IRE in 6N. Underdog tag vs NZ but has a very good chance in the first test if their defense is rock solid and they can create doubt in NZ mindset with vary play moves.

[@RugbyDebuts]

Excited to see Fin Baxter

[@ThabangNong-bl6do]

So England is now following Rassie in naming the matchday squad on Tuesday? 😂😂 Rassie is indeed a trend setter

[@bm8725]

We've spent too long targeting smaller highly mobile props to have carrying options and forgotten totally about the scrum. We need big boys who can also move.

[@dunlaoghaire]

Irish fan here and I quite fancy this English team. There's a youthful and growing confidence emerging in English rugby.... Sadly I think the reverse is happening in Irish rugby....

[@ConorOLeary-rl4bs]

What do you base that on? Out of interest? Not played since winning six nations

[@dunlaoghaire]

@@ConorOLeary-rl4bs club form and the last game of the 6 nations. Northampton should've beat Leinster in Croke park, they were unlucky.

[@chiva2507]

Can not find the AB team on your site.

[@murraysmith595]

ABs always name on the Thursday.

[@tomorrow3582]

Randall vs Spencer is a difficult call. Randall's kicking was poor, but he adds exceptional tempo. Spencer has a rounded game but when he came off the bench in his last test he took a lot of our tempo away by going to the boot when we had quick ball and were having success playing a fast game... Sarries instincts die hard. Randall didnt seize his opportunity against Japan so its fair enough but I'm not convinced by Spencer. Hes had a few chances with England and not looked sharp. Its probably the right call, if Mitchell gets injured in the first ten mins, i dont think Randall is ready to play a full test against the ABs. I hope they persevere with Randall long term, im sure he can improve his kicking, he doesnt get much practice at Briz! Bevan Rodd needed to go sadly. Feel for Roebuck, he came on briefly and looked good, not sure what this decision is based on. Guess Borthers wants more of a match winner on the bench but why not give him a runout against Japan in that case? Weird.