England has received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming match against the All Blacks with the return of George Furbank, Ollie Chessum, and Seb Atkinson from injury. Head coach Steve Borthwick will have these key players available as England prepares to face a New Zealand side likely seeking a strong response after their historic loss to Wales.
This influx of returning players comes at a crucial time for England, who have been dealing with a number of injuries throughout the Nations Championship. Earlier in the week, Max Ojomoh was set to make his first start at inside centre against Japan, stepping in due to an injury to Seb Atkinson. Henry Pollock was also confirmed for his second start, highlighting the team's ongoing need to adapt its lineup.
The recent Nations Championship has seen unexpected results, including Wales securing their first victory over New Zealand since 1953. This remarkable defensive effort by Wales has been noted by New Zealand captain Beauden Barrett, who described the Welsh defense as a "brick wall."
Furbank, Chessum, and Atkinson Return for England's All Blacks Clash
9 stories · 3 sources
Sources
- England handed boost for All Blacks clash with Furbank leading return of cavalry — The Guardian Sports,
- Defensive desire a Welsh hallmark - Roberts — BBC Sport,
- All Blacks ran into a Welsh brick wall - Barrett — Yahoo Sports,
- All Blacks ran into a Welsh brick wall - Barrett — BBC Sport,
- England v Japan: Nations Championship rugby union – live — The Guardian Sports,
- Ojomoh and Pollock get their shot as England’s World Cup hopefuls aim to crush Japan — The Guardian Sports,
- Borthwick challenges Ojomoh to match talent with toughness — BBC Sport,
- All Blacks aim to eliminate threat of Wales flanker Morgan — Yahoo Sports,
- All Blacks aim to eliminate threat of Wales flanker Morgan — BBC Sport,
Other digests
- 2026-11-15 — Furbank, Chessum, and Atkinson Return for England's All Blacks Clash
- 2026-11-13 — Ojomoh and Pollock Earn Starts as England Overhauls Squad for Japan Clash
- 2026-11-12 — Ojomoh Earns First Start as Borthwick Praises Talent Amidst England Squad Changes
- 2026-11-11 — England Rugby Faces Squad Shake-Up Amidst Multiple Player Injuries
- 2026-11-10 — Wales' Aaron Wainwright Injury Casts Doubt Ahead of All Blacks Clash
- 2026-11-09 — England Rugby Suffers Double Injury Blow as Feyi-Waboso and Tom Curry Ruled Out
- 2026-11-08 — Pollock's Brace Seals England's Nations Championship Victory Over Australia
- 2026-11-06 — Fin Smith Cleared to Play Australia; Ben Curry Replaces Injured Twin Tom
- 2026-11-05 — England Rugby Prepares for Australia Clash on Revolutionary Twickenham Pitch
- 2026-11-04 — RFU Backs Borthwick for World Cup Despite Nations Championship Woes
- 2026-11-03 — Alex Mitchell Out of Nations Championship with Fourth Hamstring Injury
- 2026-11-02 — Marcus Smith in Pole Position for England's Fly-Half Role
- 2026-11-01 — Wales Centre Hawkins Focused on Next World Cup After Previous Omission
- 2026-10-31 — Mitchell Hamstring Injury Adds to England's Autumn Series Woes
- 2026-10-30 — Wales Aim to Complete Japan Double in WXV Finale
- 2026-10-29 — Wales Wheelchair Rugby League Team Includes 16-Year-Old Debutant
- 2026-10-28 — England's Nations Championship Hopes Hit by Pepper and Van Rensburg Injuries
- 2026-10-27 — Marchant Recalled to England Squad Amidst Fly-Half Injury Concerns