New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter will start against England at Twickenham
Sky Bet
-
Rugby Union Betting
Dan Carter has been cleared to return to the New Zealand starting line-up for their final Test of the year against England on Saturday.
The fly-half missed the 33-10 victory over Wales in Cardiff last weekend with a calf problem but has recovered in time for the Twickenham outing.
Carter replaces Aaron Cruden, who drops to the bench, in one of three changes to the All Blacks starting XV.
Brodie Retallick is preferred in the second row over Luke Romano, who scored a try in the win over Wales, while Tony Woodcock retains his place after shaking off an injury.
Keven Mealamu was passed fit and named at hooker in place of Andrew Hore, who starts a five-week ban imposed for striking Welsh lock Bradley Davies.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: "There is huge motivation within the team to finish the season off on a high and real excitement ahead of this weekend, with a packed house at Twickenham always a great occasion.
"We know that the English will lift themselves for their final match of the year, especially following their two recent narrow defeats (to South Africa and Australia) and we need to be prepared to match them in all facets.
"They (England) are big men and they are probably one of the biggest packs that we will come up against.
"They will bring a physical, combative game, there is no question about where they are going to come. They will have one-off runners and two runners round the corner so they are going to come straight at you."
New Zealand: Dagg, Jane, Smith, Nonu, Savea, Carter, Smith, Read, McCaw (captain), Messam, Whitelock, Retallick, Franks, Mealamu, Woodcock.
Replacements: Coles, Crockett, Faumuina, Romano, Vito, Weepu, Cruden, Smith.
Source : [dot]skysports[dot]com