Harlequins Prop Fin Baxter to Make Debut England Start Against New Zealand in Auckland
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
4 minutes read. Updated 12:30PM GMT Thurs, 11 July, 2024
Fin Baxter, a 22-year-old prop from Harlequins, will make his first start for England against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland this Saturday. This comes after Joe Marler, the previous starter, suffered a foot injury.
Baxter previously made his international debut as a replacement for Marler in Dunedin, where England narrowly lost 16-15 in the first Test. With Marler unable to play in the second and final Test, Baxter is stepping up to fill the gap in the starting XV.
England’s matchday squad also sees the inclusion of Sale’s Bevan Rodd on the bench. This change aims to bolster the team as they attempt to end New Zealand’s unbeaten record at Eden Park, a streak that has lasted since 1994. England head coach Steve Borthwick shared his thoughts on the upcoming match:
“It’ll be interesting to see what style New Zealand brings to this game,” Borthwick told BBC Sport. “The record [unbeaten at Eden Park for 30 years] is theirs to keep. The pressure and expectation are on them. For us, the England team always has expectations. I want the players to go out there and play big.”
Among the replacements is Dan Cole, who is set to become the second most-capped player in England’s history if he takes the field, earning his 115th cap. He will surpass 2003 World Cup-winner Jason Leonard. Scrum-half Ben Youngs remains the most-capped player with 127 appearances. Borthwick highlighted Cole’s importance to the team, stating, “Dan Cole’s influence as a role model is integral to this group. He continues to be so valuable. He is one of England’s greatest ever players. You don’t often say that about a tight-head prop, but there’s no doubt you have to say that about Dan Cole and what he’s achieved in the game.”
New Zealand, known for their strong rugby team, has made an enforced change to their starting XV. Finlay Christie replaces the injured TJ Perenara at scrum-half, with the uncapped Cortez Ratima on the bench. Head coach Scott Robertson emphasized the importance of Eden Park to the All Blacks and expressed confidence in their home crowd support.
“We can feel New Zealand’s support here in Auckland, and we will hear it at a sold-out Eden Park,” Robertson said. “It’s a very special venue for the All Blacks, and we’re going there on Saturday to win the series against England.”
Line-ups
New Zealand:
Perofeta; Reece, Ioane, J Barrett, Tele’a; McKenzie, Christie; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, S Barrett (capt), Tuipulotu, Finau, Papali’i, Savea.
Replacements: Aumua, Tu’ungafasi, Newell, Vaa’i, Jacobson, Ratima, Lienert-Brown, B Barrett.
England:
Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; M Smith, Mitchell; Baxter, George (capt), Stuart, Itoje, Martin, Cunningham-South, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: Dan, Rodd, Cole, Coles, Curry, Spencer, F Smith, Sleightholme.
As the rugby world eagerly awaits this historic clash, all eyes will be on Eden Park to see if England can break the All Blacks’ 30-year unbeaten record at the venue. For international rugby fans, this match promises to be thrilling and memorable.
Backlinks:
For more information on the England rugby team and match updates, visit the England Rugby Official Website. Learn more about the history and significance of Eden Park as a premier rugby venue.
