ENGLAND V NEW ZEALAND PLAYER MATCH UPS & PREDICTION! | Autumn Internationals 2024

[@BrandonWain9]

I do think the reason for both Curry and Dombrandt on the bench is so that we can shift Ben Earl out to 13 if Slade goes down early

[@GavinDuncan-pv7bh]

Or you know, you could pick a centre on the bench?

[@leecheetham5889]

I was wondering if that was the plan.

[@williamjones5882]

@@BrandonWain9 if that were the reason, wouldn’t it make more sense to play someone that actually plays…13?

[@BrandonWain9]

@williamjones5882 I am not saying it’s the right decision. I wouldn’t even have Slade starting but looked like the borthwick logic

[@justinstephenson9360]

Front row is a big edge to NZ, but second row is the reverse and I expect Martin to have an outstanding match. Back row is a very close match up. The backs are interesting. There are no obvious mismatches. Subs though are big edge to NZ. Dombrandt is a wasted choice NZ by 10-14 points for me

[@JACKSLATER-d3r]

Nz team look like they are ready to make an end of the year mighty winning streak statement finish. The tempo they have just feels looks bloody ready

[@mikelambrou4462]

Pretty fair assessment, I do think we might have the edge in the second row but otherwise it’s parity at best or NZ with better looking units. The bench also worries me, cover at centre and back three is a problem, we might see Earl in the centres again.

[@Edgycoo]

Very confident of this abs team

[@Pedro285]

Best chance for England to beat the AB’s in ages. NZ haven’t looked convincing yet this year and we got taught a lesson in the Rugby Championship by SA and the Argies. Money on a close scoring match.

[@kev63inuk]

Surprised at lack of confidence in this England line up. England will do okay in the scrum. Stuart always been doubted but I believe we will now see the best of him and Genge also improved as a scrummager. Baxter and Cole should improve the scrum in second half. BB playing at ten for them is a worry but Marcus has improved and I’m happy he’s there now . Freeman is a great player and a match for his opposite number and the continuity of Borthwicks picks means he believes in this team now. Tom curry will prove he’s as good as he once was. In my opinion anyway . Cmon England . 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@henryburton6529]

I think NZ are good not England bad

[@CraigMinnie]

So wrong about BB he is a flyhalf that can control a game .

[@Spencer-z6k]

All Blacks to win, convincingly, they should with all the firepower in the side, only concern is the midfield, they haven't provided the punch in the middle, consistently falling short of the gainline, with BB their to direct the ship, he might conjure up a plan to accommodate the midfield struggles, Reiko should be wing and Billy Proctor start centre outside Leinert-Brown but that's how armchair selectors roll I suppose, it's time for the Razor Blacks to aim up, on the other side of the world, the teething stage over, training wheels are off, the REAL tests are here, lesh goo baby.....

[@cosmojames7710]

Stuart has often been a weak link. Would like to see him come good, but I don’t think he has it in him at this level.

[@Jack-qv5ru]

Our front row is not even in the top ten in world rugby.

[@lukeperks1915]

I see the whole back row being replaced for England. Tell them to go out and blitz everything. Then end up with 6 Isikwe 7 B Curry and 8 Dombrandt with Earl potentially shifting to centre. Don’t get the whole VC thing. Itoje will be calling the line out so can understand him being it. Then maybe slade as defensive captain. God knows what’s Borthwicks thinking though

[@henrymilleruk100]

I mean yikes breaking it down player by player this is such a strong NZ side 😅 I know we are saying anything less than 3/4 is terrible for England but…. Just based on the cattle assembled at the minute I’ll be pleased with some continuity in our attack and defence philosophy and at least running NZ close. But the X factor in NZ is just a bit different off the back of a dominant scrum.

[@davidwalker2402]

How long are you going to give England to start winning almost two years now lost 4 of the last 6 its very hard to get better if you keep losing, I think if England don’t win 2/3 against SA an NZ they are going backwards and bortwick needs to be looked at.

[@seanofarrell8896]

I would drop the multiple captain thing

[@CharlieMain-q9y]

I agree very strange English bench with no centre cover except Freeman . Dont understand Ford on the bench but I guess because I have written this he will come on and slot a drop goal over to win the game !!!

[@mlungisimadide9671]

Proper analysis. Wow

[@sbg8662]

Difficult day at the office for england .

[@petewood3493]

I’m pleased you mentioned Lawrence / Freeman as a centre combo….. only Borthwick knows why he seems reluctant to go with this 🤷‍♂️

[@Gilescowdemdem]

Maybe also because freeman doesn't play centre regularly for his club...until that happens he isn't getting shifted over in the England set up

[@robday3968]

I think your prediction is spot on. As a neutral I cannot wait to watch this game and I hope it lives up to my expectations.

[@Bradley-b4d]

My Heart says England but my head says All Blacks they have the better ball handling skills with Spencer at scrum half England will kick to much procession away which play into the All Blacks hands i Borthwick game plan will be box kicking style game which the All Blacks will counter attack. This test will either be close or big win for All Blacks🏉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🌹🧐

[@curly19650]

Well done! You only mentioned Ted Hill once.

[@AndyWalker-dd1nz]

I’d like to think Ben Earls vice captaincy has been awarded on the strength of his scrum penalty celebrations. Get in.

[@benkay1390]

Good/fair/balanced assessment which is nice to see. I think those predicting an England victory are doing this more out of hope and patriotism than anything. If you hover above, NZ has the better/more balanced 23 overall and is match fit. My prediction is ABs by 6-7.

[@SolarMumuns]

Are you Ben Kay the ex-England rugby player?!

[@RozWentworth]

From SAFFA and Southern Hemisphere team supporter...lets go ABs🎉🎉🎉

[@Dihedrals]

Purely unbiased I do think NZ will win by a small margin based on team sheet but they aren’t out of the woods and if they take the foot off the gas in the last 30 I think we can close it out. Should be a good game, cmon England.

[@davidridersmith5434]

Spot on

[@jimbo4890]

Rich have to agree with you, on paper NZ are a step up, maybe the home advantage slightly evens things up, on the strange backline, I am not saying i agree with it or want it but is there consideration that in the event of a Slade injury for example Earl shifts to inside centre Lawrence outside or in the event of Lawrence, Earl just drops straight in? This does sound a little more EJ than SB but otherwise I am struggling to see the rational for the bench selections. How underhill is left out is beyond me, I’d take him over a Curry double, you need players like him to put in some momentum changing hits.

[@specialistcarmarketing]

As usual I agree with your prognosis, as we havent had a great team since 2019 I don't see the point of players who have been in these losing teams based on experience. Much better in my opinion to pick in form exciting players.

[@darthmaul408]

There’s no getting away from it. That England bench is odd. Very odd.

[@benspeller8635]

Development focussed. And to be fair to Borthwick he does seems to be trying to balance form and consistency...

[@darthmaul408]

@@benspeller8635any injuries in the backs could cause a huge issue though. Ford and Randall only cover 9 and 10 which I find odd. Even putting Hill on the bench for Dombrandt, leaving Isiekwe out and having an extra back, either Daly or Sleightholme would give more balance. I am wondering whether this much rumoured Earl at 12 thing might actually happen if there’s a backs injury crisis in this game.

[@nickc4033]

Second row and back three are the only units where England have parity, on paper; with potential dominance at the lineout hurt by Chessum's late absence. Concerned about the front row (where Genge & Stuart really need to step up), back row (lacking T.Willis's gain-line power and T.Hill's athleticism, over a one-dimensional 'Curry for Curry' bench swap and Dombrandt's continued failure to show he can perform at Test level, as well as similar ongoing questions about Isiekwe) Half-backs: Spencer doesn't have Ratima/Roigard's pace and B.Barrett is a class act Centres: Slade isn't game-fit, Lawrence is still being shoehorned into the 12 shirt (when he's really a 13) and there's no decent bench cover...! Don't see any real 'home advantage' against a stronger side than England lost against in the summer (albeit they should have won at least one of those games) - still see it as a big ask for England to win this one...

[@andrewheward6094]

Earl moved to 12? Not fully convinced but may be an option

[@rugbyanalyst]

I'd be interested to see it, but the fact he never plays there for Saracens is a risk.

[@Moamanly]

Just a word on pronunciation since I think some of these players will be around for a long time. Ratima---------Ra---teema Tuipulotu-------Tooey-poo-loh-too Tamaiti-----------Tah-mighty Tupou Vaa'i------Too-poh Vie ee I think your fears are well-founded especially regarding the unnecessary gamble on the 6-2 split but as an ABs fan I am just as worried about this exciting England side. Apart from an obvious weakness in the front row and bench, this looks as good as any England side I can recall and I have seen the likes of David Duckham!

[@feliscorax]

Class comment but I don’t think we’re quite the finished article yet. NZ by a try, I reckon.

[@aaroncallan8622]

Jordan hasn't burst onto the scene?? He is scoring at a rate of 1 try a game and equalled the WC try record last year. Furbank doesn't come close. Long day at the office for England, they will hope it's only a 10-point loss.

[@icefarrow7959]

He's referring to his role at Fullback, not his overall appearances.

[@andreemurray7039]

Both teams are on the rebuild All Blacks may have the upper hand more games under their belt

[@Ethos1231]

I really want to think England can win but NZ and also Saffas are light years ahead of England in quality of player, coaching, tactics and willingness of national unions to promote the game at every level.

[@sisyphusonlunch5541]

Easy to get a bit down about it with our dodgy front row and bizarre subs bench. I am, nevertheless, confident we'll give them a right game though, stay tight and don't die wondering lads 💪.

[@Jack-qv5ru]

Gonna be a great game this

[@StopTheRot]

I think we’ve got a real chance. We’re a team full of decent players, with 2 or 3 potential Lions and only a couple of weaknesses (3,9,13 perhaps). Although many teams have more world class players, there aren’t many teams with good players across the lineup.

[@markstratton7435]

I think we will hold our own england will be pumped for this everyone will be expecting a convincing win for the all blacks I think it will be close im going for an england win im backing the guys be interesting to see how Spencer goes he deserves his chance

[@johnfox2409]

Kiwi here, no one in NZ is expecting the AB's to run away with this game. We do think, however, out of the next three tests, this is probably our best chance to get a win. Public confidence still pretty low in this AB coaching setup, selection. Throw in the lack of players coming through, it is a tough period for NZ rugby at the moment.

[@rodeo4-p6u]

😁😉 1st clip lookd like the grimreaper hanging over England 😂 just bustin balls 😊

[@aaronb5743]

Potentially could see earl move to the centres if either slade or Lawrence get injured

[@iainbeattie2970]

Is Earl not the cover for centre ?

[@rugbyanalyst]

I'd be interested to see it, but the fact he never plays there for Saracens is a risk.

[@leecheetham5889]

Sir Clive always says start with your very strongest line up I'm not sure we are .😮

[@mickconners9377]

Didn’t recognise you for a minute there.

[@chrismawby1805]

I thinking optimist a few days ago but now looking at the England team I think it’s AB win.

[@rosswilliams21]

Twickenham is like an extra player on the field as Eden park is for our AB's it will be very tight maybe England by 3

[@kelvynblue]

Overall, I would say the ABs look stronger, although we ran them close on home turf, so who knows. I just think our THP looks poor. Why we aren't looking at AOF, Heyes or Fasagban, is anyone's guess. Also, a lack of speed of the bench, why not give Elliott or Ibitoye a shot instead of a 6-2 split?

[@johnfox2409]

Aumua has offered the All Blacks nothing this year, and with Ofa being promoted to the bench because of De Groots indiscretion has weakened the impact of the bench significantly. Game could go either way.

[@s.j.a486]

Come on England! Should be a humdinger of a match

[@JoseStev]

Earl into the centre possibly?

[@KBJ58]

Dombrandt, again? I will still be wondering tomorrow, when he is going to produce a stand-out performance that justifies his selection.

[@DoddyIshamel]

Probably Englands best team, assuming Slade is fit. B Curry and Dombrandt on the bench seems a bit off, weird combo to go a 6-2 split for. Other than that England should not have any worries. NZ have some advantages like front row and vack 3, but seem disjointed. Should be a close game. NZ by 2. If England win it will be thanks to getting at the NZ lineout.

[@Ben-m7s5r]

I've just heard that I am also Vice Captain but I fear there has been a mistake. I am ready though!

[@D_F_Chap]

They've just appointed me as a coach. So who knows?

[@hankgoldenshaft]

I’m picking the ABs to win but if England get a sniff and are able to apply pressure I would not be surprised if they get up and win this one. Basically, I have limited faith in this rebuilding/shaky ABs team.

[@Matty1593]

For the first time ever, I think you’re a tad pessimistic Rich! Front row NZ def have the edge but at least we have a decent front row bench to come on and excitement in Baxter and Dan. SR we have the edge there, itoje back to good form and martin will be world class soon! Back row I think is pretty even Half backs will go well with Randall coming on to definitely add excitement Centres will be solid as will NZ, pretty even there Our back three are really starting to gel, excited for what they can bring with more game time The bench is where we will win it, it will be a game won up front. England 25 - 20 New Zealand

[@peckhamite]

I think NZ will edge it. Not keen on the 6-2 split. England lacking out and out speed in the backs. Too many players not fully match fit and some strange omissions. Surely time to replace Cole- great servant though he has been. Sleighthome should have been on the bench

[@honahwikeepa2115]

England strong favourites at home. Uphill battle for the AB's. Fortress Twickenham to topple the AB' by 20 +.

[@sharp2684]

What are you on ?? Do ya have any left ??

[@waynehunt3375]

Best all black team since world cup, good bye England

[@RoryDowd-o2q]

'England should have won one of them' is something I have heard a lot. Which one should they have won, first or second test?

[@dulls8475]

But we did not so what is your point?

[@hafidkouloun6405]

The one between!!

[@glynmatthews678]

Earl at centre

[@jackyboiogc]

Can't wait to see Earl at 12 at some point in this one 😅

[@Aluszn]

It will be very interesting

[@johnhanson5943]

You’re right to be realistic - which is a little pessimistic based on the facts.

[@SeanLarkan]

The England guys who didn’t get picked as VC must be upset; ‘how come I was left out?’

[@scentrailstation1780]

Optimistically NZ by 15. But it could be as much as 25

[@41d41dd]

I rate England's forward pack more physical than NZ especially in the Locks and Back row, England by 6 points and Marcus Smith MOTM

[@librapower7810]

Well England have no chance given your view. Actually I think England will get a right hiding at home

[@cavangibbs]

Nz 32 eng 20

[@DreamXVRugby]

It's really interesting to see how people'e perceptions marry against the data. Genge and Stuart are actually England's highest rated scrummagers based on their performances in the Prem yet their ability is consistently downplayed. I don't think Ted Hill was ever going to get into the 23 for this game. He's only had a week in camp to learn systems etc putting him in now would be a bit wild IMO (as good as he is). Randall while a really quick player, didnt have the best cameo in his last game and his kicking game could develop, which whether we like it or not is a huge part of a 9s job

[@cosmojames7710]

Interesting. What data/stats are you referring to for scrum success pls?

[@christinerhodes773]

Bench thoughts. A returning T Curry won't play the whole match at openside, always planned to move to 6 or have a rest. Earl to cover inside centre and 6/7 as needed, M Smith to cover 12 or 15 as needed, and Freeman to cover 13 or even 12 as needed. [Jon]

[@toma411]

Surely no way Smith plays 12? That would be a worry on defence

[@JakeyJakes123]

Engalnd will catch 30 points

[@billymaguire3312]

Seems to point to Ben Earl going in at 12 again and then moving Lawrence out. Slade can cover fullback (asking a bit much since coming back from injury but he can) and Freeman can cover 13 and fullback. It’s not as clear cut but there is coverage

[@shaneedmonds84]

Fiji will beat Scotland.

[@mattleng198]

Earl can cover Centre

[@rugbyanalyst]

I'd be interested to see it, but the fact he never plays there for Saracens is a risk.

[@charlottewalsh1030]

I reckon Barrett 6, Patrick, Vaii,locks !Savea 7, Wallace 8! Asofa v Dan……trouble there? When Posi bends Cole ,..poor Finn! ,….whole England bench?..

[@bengeorge2121]

All blacks by 20+ easy Win for Nz

[@grantchampion9910]

Earl covering midfield

[@janniemeyer9951]

It is about team work. England can triumph

[@henryburton6529]

A close England win is my prediction

[@robertwood6297]

England will win

[@Antonym12198]

It would be interesting if when dom rant came on slade went off earl moved to 12 and Lawrence to 13

[@rugbyanalyst]

I'd be interested to see it, but the fact he never plays there for Saracens is a risk.

[@gavstott1]

Poor? This 'analyst' constantly poses a question then says he doesn't know the answer. What's the point?

[@skifast1356]

Earl can go in the centre

[@rugbyanalyst]

I'd be interested to see it, but the fact he never plays there for Saracens is a risk.

[@mattjones3361]

Why say in a previous vid, England have to beat at least one of NZ or SA to show progression, yet here you say NZ by 10? Ard you suggesting we'll beat SA? Be strange to be confident v SA, but less so NZ.

[@itsanawpting4558]

Pretty simple mate, the teams hadn't come out

[@icefarrow7959]

Bro, what? You're making no sense.

[@davidstephen2955]

Very negative!