All Blacks team to face England - Captain Scott Barrett returns from injury

Thursday, 13 November 2025 at 09:21

byTom Sansom

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has named his All Blacks team to face England, in the third weekend of the 2025 Quilter Nations Series. The All Blacks are half-way through their goal of achieving a stunning 'Grand Slam' of the Home Nations sides this November, with victories already achieved over Ireland and Scotland ahead of this upcoming clash with England, before closing the tour in Wales.

Regular starting captain Scott Barrett returns to skipper the All Blacks once again, after sitting out of the Test in Edinburgh. Barrett sustained a nasty leg laceration in the early goings of New Zealand's win over Ireland in Chicago, that forced the lock from any further involvements in the Autumn Series until now.

The All Blacks have a handful of injury concerns, with midfield playmaker Jordie Barrett unavailable with a high ankle injury. Caleb Clarke and lock Luke Jacobson will miss the Test at the Allianz Stadium, as the duo undergo their concussion return to play protocols.

The front row remains unchanged from the previous two Northern Tour Tests and will bring formidable power, strength and technique in both the starting and replacement packs.

In the midfield, Billy Proctor will pull on the No.13 jersey he has worn in seven Tests previously this year, and the experienced Anton Lienert-Brown will provide midfield cover for Proctor and starting second five-eighth Quinn Tupaea. Leicester Fainga'anuku shifts out to the wing after Caleb Clarke was ruled out with concussion.

All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said his team is ready for the challenge that England will inevitably bring with a big home crowd behind them.

“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. 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.”