New Zealand v England First Test
– Date: Saturday, 6 July
– Kick-off: 08:05 BST
– Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Match Preview
Full-back Stephen Perofeta has been selected to start for New Zealand in the highly anticipated first match of their two-Test series against England this Saturday in Dunedin. The 27-year-old, who has earned three caps, will be stepping into a significant role, preferred over the experienced Beauden Barrett, a 2015 Rugby World Cup winner who will begin the game on the bench.
Barrett, with a remarkable 123 caps to his name, is versatile and can also play at fly-half. However, the new All Blacks head coach, Scott Robertson, has decided to place Damian McKenzie in the number 10 jersey. McKenzie will be partnered at half-back by TJ Perenara, who is making his return to the squad following an Achilles injury.
Leadership and Strategy
Saturday’s match will be notable for several reasons. It marks Scott Barrett’s debut as the All Blacks captain, a role that carries immense prestige and responsibility. Additionally, this game is the first squad selection for Scott Robertson since he took over as head coach. Robertson was appointed in November, succeeding Ian Foster, who guided the team to the 2023 World Cup final against South Africa, where New Zealand narrowly lost by a single point.
“This was a very tough squad to pick, but we’ve selected the best 23 players to beat England on Saturday,” Robertson stated. “There is a lot of excitement in the group for our first Test and we’re walking together toward this opportunity to represent New Zealand and our families in Dunedin in front of a sold-out stadium. We’ve prepared well and we’re ready.”
Historical Context
The match holds significant historical context as well. England, led by head coach Steve Borthwick, are aiming to achieve a historic feat—they have never won a Test series in New Zealand. The pressure will be on both teams to perform at their highest level, with the All Blacks looking to assert their dominance on home soil and England striving to make history.
Team Line-ups
New Zealand XV to face England:
– Full-back: S Perofeta
– Wings: S Reece, M Tele’a
– Centers: R Ioane, J Barrett
– Fly-half: D McKenzie
– Scrum-half: T Perenara
– Props: E de Groot, T Lomax
– Hooker: C Taylor
– Second Rows: S Barrett (captain), P Tuipulotu
– Back Rows: S Finau, D Papali’i, A Savea
Replacements:
– Hooker: A Aumua
– Props: O Tu’ungafasi, F Newell
– Second Row: T Vaa’i
– Back Row: L Jacobson
– Scrum-half: F Christie
– Fly-half/Centre: A Lienert-Brown
– Utility Back: B Barrett
Upcoming Fixtures
The first Test against England will be followed by a second match on 13 July at Eden Park in Auckland, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling series.
Stay tuned for live commentary and updates, and witness the unfolding drama as the All Blacks and England clash in this exciting Test series.
