England Coach Steve Borthwick Makes Crucial Lineup Change Ahead of Final Test Against New Zealand

England coach Steve Borthwick has made an injury-enforced change to his team for the final test against New Zealand. Prop Fin Baxter, who debuted last week, will start again. Bevan Rodd joins the squad, and Dan Coles will earn his 115th cap. The match will take place at Auckland's Eden Park.

England Coach Steve Borthwick Makes Crucial Lineup Change Ahead of Final Test Against New Zealand

England coach Steve Borthwick has made one injury-enforced change to his team for the second and final test of the series against New Zealand at Auckland's Eden Park this Saturday. Prop Fin Baxter, who made his test debut in last week's narrow 16-15 loss in Dunedin, has been awarded the number one shirt due to Joe Marler's foot issue.

Bevan Rodd comes into the squad to support Baxter from the bench, which also includes tighthead Dan Coles. Coles is set to win his 115th cap and will surpass Jason Leonard as the second most-capped Englishman, behind Ben Youngs, who has 127 caps. ''Dan has shown nothing but dedication and determination throughout his career, and reaching this milestone is a remarkable feat,'' Borthwick said in a news release.

Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, and New Zealand-raised Chandler Cunningham-South will reprise their back row duties after an effective performance last week. Marcus Smith retains his position at flyhalf despite missing three shots at goal in the previous match. The highly anticipated contest will be held at Eden Park, where New Zealand holds a 50-test unbeaten streak dating back to 1994. ''Eden Park is a stadium packed with history and great rugby encounters,'' Borthwick said. ''We are delighted to be playing there this Saturday.''

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