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All Blacks forced into late change for England clash
By Ian Cameron
The All Blacks have been forced into a late change to their team line-up for their clash with England this afternoon at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
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Giant second-row Fabian Holland has been withdrawn due to an unspecified illness, with Josh Lord called up into the starting team.
The All Blacks stated on socials: “Fabian Holland has been withdrawn from the match with illness. Josh Lord will start in the 5 jersey and Sam Darry comes onto the bench.”
New Zealand captain Scott Barrett has recovered from a leg wound in time to face Steve Bortwick’s side.
Barrett needed 12 stitches to repair the cut sustained in the victory over Ireland in Chicago on November 1 and was absent for last weekend’s 25-17 win against Scotland.
The 87-cap veteran second-row came through a crucial training session on Tuesday and will take charge of grand slam-chasing New Zealand, with openside Ardie Savea dropping to vice captain.
Super-sub Damian McKenzie continues on the bench despite producing the late try that nudged the All Blacks over the line at Murrayfield, with Beauden Barrett continuing at fly-half.
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additional reporting PA