LONDON – Chris Ashton will make his first England start for four years in one of three changes made by coach Eddie Jones for Saturday’s match against the All Blacks at Twickenham.
Ashton, who ended a lengthy England exile when coming off the bench in last week’s 12-11 win at home to South Africa, is on the right wing in place of Jack Nowell.
Sam Underhill comes in at openside flank after an ankle injury ruled out Tom Curry.
The 31-year-old, now with Sale, has amassed 40 caps in an international career interrupted by suspension and a season-long spell with French giants Toulon.
Ashton has scored 19 tries for England, including one in their last victory over the All Blacks in 2012.
But there was no place in the match-day 23 for Manu Tuilagi, who had arguably his best England game against the All Blacks six years ago, despite the centre’s recovery from the groin strain that ruled him out against the Springboks.
Jones made one other change when announcing his starting XV on Thursday, with Ben Moon named at loosehead prop for what will be England’s first match against world champions New Zealand in four years.
Courtney Lawes returned to the bench following a lower back problem, with Zach Mercer dropping out of the squad.
Flyhalf Owen Farrell again co-captains the team alongside New Zealand-born hooker Dylan Hartley, and needs only one more point to reach 700 for England.
“The expectation for Saturday is no different to any other Test match,” said Jones.
"We want to play with pride and passion which ignites the fans."
Eddie Jones takes you through England's preparation for the @AllBlacks: https://t.co/Uozwp1Q2w2 #WearTheRose🌹 pic.twitter.com/pb2jHJLTff
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 8, 2018
“We want to be at our best, better than we were in the previous Test match, and we want to play with pride and passion which ignites the fan,” the Australian added.
“It’s been a good week, the players have recovered well, trained well on Tuesday, exceptionally well on Wednesday, and we look forward to the challenge of taking on New Zealand on Saturday.”
England Team
15 Elliot Daly 14 Chris Ashton 13 Henry Slade 12 Ben Te’o 11 Jonny May 10 Owen Farrell (co-captain) 9 Ben Youngs 8 Mark Wilson 7 Sam Underhill 6 Brad Shields 5 George Kruis 4 Maro Itoje 3 Kyle Sinckler 2 Dylan Hartley (co-captain) 1 Ben Moon.
Bench:16 Jamie George 17 Alec Hepburn 18 Harry Williams 19 Charlie Ewels 20 Courtney Lawes 21 Danny Care 22 George Ford 23 Jack Nowell.