Barrett Brothers Reunite as Captain Returns from Injury
Scott Barrett has been declared fit to return and will captain the All Blacks in their highly anticipated clash against England at Twickenham this weekend. The New Zealand lock missed last week's 25-17 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield after requiring twelve stitches for a deep cut beneath his knee sustained during the match against Ireland two weeks ago.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson confirmed Barrett's remarkable recovery, stating the skipper has participated fully in training sessions leading up to the England Test. "We've gone for our best team for this game, for this Test," Robertson announced. "It's remarkable that he healed so well, once you saw the cut. The Barretts must have some good skin."
Team Selection and Tactical Changes
While Scott Barrett returns to lead the side, his older brother Beauden retains the fly-half position. However, younger brother Jordie remains in New Zealand receiving treatment for an ankle injury suffered in the same Ireland match that sidelined Scott.
Robertson has made several strategic changes to counter England's strengths. With winger Caleb Clarke unavailable through injury, Leicester Fainga'anuku moves into the back three while Billy Proctor comes in at outside centre. The coach expressed full confidence in Fainga'anuku's capabilities, recalling his impressive performance in the second Bledisloe Cup match.
"Did you see him play the second Bledisloe Cup match? Yeah, he was pretty handy on the left wing, he's got power, he's a left-footed kicker, and he's playing good footy, so it's his spot," Robertson affirmed.
Preparing for Aerial Battle and Momentum Shifts
The All Blacks coaching staff have conducted thorough analysis following their Scotland performance, particularly focusing on the third quarter where Scotland mounted a comeback from 17-0 down to seize control of the match.
"We looked at the momentum swings, and how they put pressure on us," Robertson explained. "The ability to get out of our own end cleanly was key for us, it just took longer than we'd planned for so we've done a bit of work on it this week and how to get the momentum back."
New Zealand are specifically preparing for England's renowned aerial game, identifying scrum-half Alex Mitchell as a particular threat. "England have got a great aerial game, Alex Mitchell's a quality kicker," Robertson noted. "He puts it on the spot. It's a big part of the game for them."
However, the coach also acknowledged England's evolving attacking capabilities, adding: "But they also play a bit too. If George Ford gets it out of his hands quickly, you know the game's on. It's exciting when you play a team like that."
Bench Strength and Twickenham Atmosphere
Robertson has selected a powerful bench to counter England's replacement options, keeping Wallace Sititi among the substitutes alongside experienced campaigners Anton Lienert-Brown and Damian McKenzie. Up front, Simon Parker earns a starting position in the back row as the All Blacks seek to match England's physicality.
The coach expressed excitement about returning to one of rugby's iconic venues, stating: "We're ready for a great game of footy. Twickenham always turns on the atmosphere, it's a great occasion. When Swing Low starts cranking up you know you're in a special place, where rugby's loved."
Robertson concluded with anticipation for what promises to be an enthralling contest: "I think everyone should look forward to a game that's going to be played the way it should be, ball in hand."
