England make fullback change for second Test against NZ

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England make fullback change for second Test against NZ

England have been dealt a ***** on the eve of their second rugby union Test against New Zealand after George Furbank was ruled out of the Auckland showdown by a back injury.

Furbank was singled out as the tourists’ dangerman by opposite number Stephen Perofeta earlier in the week but his late injury setback means his cutting edge in ******* will be missing at Eden Park.

The Northampton No.15 was one of England’s best performers in the 16-15 loss in Dunedin last week and would have been one of the first names on Steve Borthwick’s teamsheet.

Freddie Steward replaces Furbank at fullback in his first appearance for England since February 10, when he started against Wales in the Six Nations.

Leicester Tigers’ Steward was a foundation stone of England’s backline as he quickly compiled 33 caps, but his expertise under the high ball and command of the backfield have made way for a new emphasis on *******.

Steward has trained throughout the summer tour but Saturday’s second and final Test against the All ******* will be his first appearance since May 18 when Leicester defeated Exeter.

“It is massively disappointing for George, he has been brilliant in the way he has been playing this season,” England scrum coach Tom Harrison told reporters.

“But on a brighter note we have got depth in that position and a world class player in Freddie Steward coming in.

“Wherever we go, we play to our strengths. I don’t think it changes our approach too much.

“Freddie has been working hard on the things that George has been good at and George has been working hard on the things that Freddie is good at, so when moments like this happen players are always ready to step into the plan.

New Zealand are unbeaten at Eden Park in 50 Tests going back to 1994, while England have not beaten the All ******* in their own backyard since 2003.

ENGLAND SQUAD: Freddie Steward, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman, Marcus Smith, Alex Mitchell, Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, Chandler Cunningham-South, George Martin, Maro Itoje, Will Stuart, Jamie George (capt), Fin Baxter. Reserves: Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, Ollie Sleightholme.

With Reuters.

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