Autumn internationals Week 1: Rugby news, predictions, more

International rugby returns with several spectacular Test matches in November as the Northern and Southern Hemisphere sides go head-to-head once again.

England and New Zealand kick off at Twickenham on Saturday in a match that always promises drama and entertainment, before Scotland host Fiji in Edinburgh.

England had an eventful summer, with the much-publicised departures of Felix Jones and Aled Walters from the coaching staff following their tour of Japan and New Zealand. Head coach Steve Borthwick was forced to defend the team environment in the aftermath, but only time will tell what the impact is on the pitch.

They will be itching to get one over the All Blacks, who they twice fell short of in July in New Zealand. While they produced two solid performances, Borthwick’s side need wins to show they are indeed making progress and making it to the Six Nations.

North of the border, Scotland kick off their campaign against Fiji on Saturday night. Gregor Townsend’s side have had a mixed year and will look to shake off the cobwebs against Fiji before the visits of South Africa and Australia; two games which will give a true measure of where this team is at.

Here are the lineups and key team news ahead of this weekend’s game, plus our match previews.

England v New Zealand

Match details: Saturday 2 November at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London. 3.10pm UK (2.10am Sunday AEST)

England: Ellis Genge, Jamie George (capt), Will Stuart, Maro Itoje, George Martin, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Ben Spencer, Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Furbank. Substitutions: Theo Dan, Fin Baxter, Dan Cole, Nick Isiekwe, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Harry Randall, George Ford.

New Zealand: Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, Scott Barrett (captain), Tupou Vaa’i, Wallace Sititi, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea (vice-captain), Cortez Ratima, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett (vice-captain), Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Will Jordan. Substitutions: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samipeni Finau, Cam Roigard, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie.

Keep news: England manager Steve Borthwick has opted to select Henry Slade in midfield, despite playing just 55 minutes of rugby for Exeter this season after undergoing shoulder surgery in the summer. Ben Spencer has been entrusted with scrum-half duties in the absence of Alex Mitchell, who has a neck injury. Fly-half George Ford has been named on the bench after recovering from a hamstring tear, with Marcus Smith set to start at No 10, as he did in both Tests against New Zealand in July.

Meanwhile, Scott Robertson has selected Beauden Barrett at bat, with Damian McKenzie – who has started the majority of the All Blacks’ Tests this year – dropping to the bench. Barrett made a significant impact off the bench in the second Test against England in July. Cortez Ratima will play inside him after being handed the No.9 shirt. In the forwards, 22-year-old Wallace Sititi’s breakout year continues as he starts alongside Ardie Savea and Sam Cane in the back row.

Match Prediction: Although this is England’s first game since meeting the All Blacks in July, New Zealand have a host of games under their belt since then, having played in the Rugby Championship. Previous clashes between these sides at Twickenham have been notoriously close – notably in 2022 when they drew 25-25 – so match fitness could play a part with the margins so fine. After Joe Marler’s comments on Tuesday regarding the Haka, another spicy Test match can be expected. New Zealand by 3 — James Regan

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Scotland v Fiji

Match details: Saturday 2 November at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. 5.40pm UK (4.40am Sunday AEST)

Scotland: Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman, Zander Ferguson, Grant Gilchrist, Scott Cummings, Matt Ferguson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Ali Price, Adam Hastings, Duhan van de Merwe, Sione Tuipulotu (capt), Huw Jones, Darcy Graham, Kyle Rowe. Substitutions: Dylan Richardson, Rory Sutherland, D’Arcy Rae, Max Williamson, Gregor Brown, Jamie Dobie, Tom Jordan, Stafford McDowall.

Fiji: Haereiti Hete, Tevita Ikanivere (captain), Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Ponipate Loganimasi, Inia Tabuavou, Apisalome Vota, Vuvulaah Armlevu. Substitutions: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Vilive Miramira, Simi Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Waqa Nalaga.

Keep news: Scotland are without superstar winger Finn Russell for the Fiji visit, while full-back Blair Kinghorn is also out due to the game falling outside an international window, meaning their clubs do not have to release them. But the squad is still full of talent and experience.

Darcy Graham returns to the wing for the first time since the World Cup after recovering from injury. Along with Duhan van de Merwe, Graham provides Scotland with plenty of attacking ability and both wingers will be looking to add to their impressive international tries. Scrumhalf Ali Price also returns to the starting side for the first time since last year’s World Cup.

Test scheduling has also affected Fiji. As it fell outside an official international break, they have only been able to draw players from Fiji’s Drua, meaning their UK-based players have not been selected. Only six players from the team that lost to England in the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals will face Scotland. Kemu Valetini and Waqa Nalaga are set to make their international debuts from the bench

Match Prediction: While Fiji are without many of their starting 15, they should not be taken lightly by Scotland, who need to get their autumn Test series off to a good start. Adam Hastings will get the chance to show what he can do in Russell’s absence and it will be up to him to take control of the side and steer them through any Fijian opposition. However, expect the talent of Van de Merwe and Darcy Graham to come through and put a few points on the board for the home side. Scotland before 30 – James Regan.

Information from Reuters contributed to this report.