England Name Ford at Fly-Half vs New Zealand

England head coach Steve Borthwick has named George Ford at fly-half for the team's match against New Zealand on Saturday, as the 32-year-old veteran prepares to earn his 104th cap in a bid to end a six-year drought against the All Blacks. The game, part of the Autumn Nations Series, kicks off at 3:10 p.m. at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, where England seek a 10th consecutive victory following recent wins over Australia and Fiji.

Borthwick made seven changes to the starting lineup from last weekend's 38-18 victory over Fiji, with Ford replacing Fin Smith, who has been omitted from the matchday 23. Marcus Smith drops to the bench to provide cover at fly-half and fullback. Freddie Steward returns at fullback after recovering from a hand injury, while Tom Roebuck slots in on the right wing following an ankle issue. Injuries have forced further adjustments: wing Tommy Freeman is sidelined for the rest of the series with a hamstring strain, and lock Ollie Chessum sits out with a foot injury but could return for next week's finale against Argentina.

In the pack, captain Maro Itoje starts at lock alongside Alex Coles, with Jamie George and Fin Baxter rejoining the front row alongside...