England name two No 8s in Sam Simmonds and Billy Vunipola for clash with New Zealand
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy England have taken the unexpected step of naming two number eights in their back row for Saturday's headline clash of the autumn against New Zealand. Sam Simmonds and Billy Vunipola will offer Eddie Jones' men explosive ball carrying options in a bold selection that was first seen when they were paired together at the end of last Saturday's thumping victory over Japan. Vunipola’s return to the back row sees Maro Itoje shift from blindside flanker to lock with Simmonds filling the vacant jersey at six. England team to play New Zealand in the Autumn Nations Series at Twickenham on Saturday: F Steward ; J Nowell, M Tuilagi, O Farrell, J May ; M Smith, J van Poortvliet ; E Genge, L Cowan-Dickie, K Sinckler, M Itoje, J Hill, S Simmonds, T Curry, B Vunipola.
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Joe Marler recalled as England shuffle front row to face All Blacks
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