Sunday November 07
England v New Zealand
Twickenham
3:30 AM NZDT

ALL BLACKS
TBA


ENGLAND
TBA

Massive All Blacks midfield firms for England

Ma'a Nonu and Sonny-Bill Williams appear set to form the largest and most powerful midfield test pairing the All Blacks have seen in their Grand Slam opener against England.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/4301805/Massive-All-Blacks-midfield-firms-for-England

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WOW!

that would be a freaky sight for any opposition, would feel for Conrad Smith though.

Also Gear, Whitelock and Mathewson look set to start in place of Jane, Donnelly and Cowan.

Would be the first test start for Alby.

TBH I'd take that article with a large tub of salt.

They're not going to do this against England; Scotland - yes; Ireland and Wales will get some changes but England will get as close to a full strength side as possible.

I reckon it'll be a good combo to use against England. The poms are a team that like to keep it tight and don't often get the ball passed their first-five so if we're not as strong in back-line defence it shouldn't matter too much. I'd definitely have Conrad starting against Ireland and Wales who both have strong attacking midfields.

Those two will rip up England. Soft defenders. SBW hopefully marking Hape. Two former league boys.

Looking forward to this clash so much. Should be awesome to see how the man with 3 initials goes.

Yeah Shontayne.. Hes been playing rugby for more than 2 years mate.

and already one of England's best...

Im on a hiding to nothing here but what the hell .

Come on England!

All Blacks team:

Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Sonny Bill Williams, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Daniel Carter, Alby Mathewson, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Hika Elliot, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Liam Messam, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava.

I'm chucking $20 on SBW for first try, always pick the back on debut

lol good call.

I'm really dubious about this choice TBH - I guess I can see the advantage of a move like this but I just think they're taking the English WAY too lightly.

SBW to play his first and last test on Sunday.

ooooh - big call there

There is no way it'll be SBWs last test, even if he has a horrid game he'll get another go...or does that only apply to Donald?

...and Rokocoko

...and Ellis