England's Nine-Game Surge Meets All Blacks at Twickenham — Ford and Borthwick Back in the Spotlight

England vs All Blacks: A High-Stakes Test at Twickenham

The boos that greeted George Ford at Twickenham after England’s 24-22 defeat to New Zealand last year remain part of the narrative as the sides meet again. Ford missed two late chances — a penalty that hit the post and a dropped goal that went wide — and coach Steve Borthwick was criticised for his substitution choices that day. A year on, both remain central to England’s plan as they look to cap a season of recovery and momentum.

England's form and selection

Borthwick has overseen nine consecutive wins, England’s longest streak in eight years, and has been rewarded for bold selections and bench depth. Ford lost his place to the inexperienced Fin Smith during the Six Nations, but after Fin Smith toured with the British and Irish Lions mid-year, Ford co-captained a depleted England to an impressive series victory in Argentina and celebrated his 100th test.

England’s strengths this autumn include detailed breakdown work, accurate high kicks, a powerful bench and close-range defence — ingredients they believe can finally deliver a Twickenham win over the All Blacks for the first time since 2012.

All Blacks respond

New Zealand remain confident. Coach Scott Robertson emphasised the importance of history and building on past approaches: “History matters and how you've done it. You look at what other teams have done before and how we can tap into that.” The All Blacks have made targeted changes to their pack and backline to counter England’s strengths.

Other headline fixtures

Away from Twickenham, Australia risks finishing a European tour without a victory for the first time in 67 years after defeats to England and Italy. Second-year Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is trying to rebuild before the team is handed to Les Kiss next year. “You want to leave things set up and that was really my commitment to Les and to Rugby Australia,” Schmidt said.

Other matches this weekend include South Africa in Italy, France hosting Fiji, Wales facing Japan in Cardiff (with implications for the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw), and Scotland taking on Argentina on Sunday.

Team news and key changes

• England: After beating Fiji 38-18, most of the side that defeated Australia 25-7 has been restored; Ollie Chessum and Tommy Freeman are out, replaced by Alex Coles and Ollie Lawrence.
• New Zealand: Wallace Sititi has been moved to the bench with Simon Parker starting; Billy Proctor starts at centre after Leicester Fainga'anuku moves to wing to cover Caleb Clarke's concussion.
• Ireland: Sam Prendergast takes the No. 10 shirt and Mack Hansen starts at fullback after injuries to Hugo Keenan and Jamie Osborne.
• Australia: Inside backs James O'Connor and Len Ikitau return, Max Jorgensen is named at fullback and Allan Alaalatoa is added to the front row.
• South Africa: 11 pre-planned changes follow the win over France; there is no specialist hooker on the bench, with No. 8 Marco van Staden listed as cover for hooker Johan Grobbelaar.
• Italy: Reinforcements who did not tour South Africa have been recalled, including Juan Ignacio Brex, Ange Capuozzo and Paolo Garbisi.
• Wales: Louis Rees-Zammit makes his first start after an NFL tryout; Olly Cracknell starts at No. 8 in place of injured captain Jac Morgan.
• France: Gregory Alldritt is recalled and named captain; Charles Ollivon moves to lock following an injury to Thibeau Flament.

Injuries, suspensions and absences

Several players have been ruled out for the remainder of the autumn series. England winger Tommy Freeman (hamstring) and Ireland fullback Jamie Osborne (shoulder) are sidelined. Wales suffered a major blow when captain Jac Morgan dislocated his left shoulder scoring a try and will require surgery, likely ruling him out of the Six Nations. South Africa’s lock Lood de Jager received a four-game suspension for a no-arms tackle on Thomas Ramos and will miss the rest of the month.

Off the field

Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney has begun a phased return to work following cancer treatment. Tierney, the WRU’s first female CEO appointed in August 2023, stepped down temporarily in mid-August but has remained engaged with leadership as the union considers major reforms to the professional game. WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood said, “Abi’s return brings strength and continuity at a time of change.”

Bottom line: England bring momentum and depth to Twickenham, but New Zealand remain formidable. Several other autumn tests carry big consequences — from Australia’s struggling tour to Wales and Japan’s World Cup implications — while injuries and tactical gambles are shaping squads across the board.