England team vs New Zealand: Henry Slade and Ben Spencer to start All Blacks Test

Henry Slade will start for England against New Zealand on Saturday despite having played just 55 minutes of club rugby so far this season.

The Exeter Chiefs centre was forced to undergo shoulder surgery in the summer after England’s tour to New Zealand.

Slade returned to action earlier this month, playing for Exeter in their Premiership defeat by Gloucester, and he will now start for England against the All Blacks at Twickenham this weekend.

The 31-year-old forms part of a settled backline, which includes Harlequins' Marcus Smith at fly-half, but Ben Spencer comes in at scrum-half.

Spencer will make his first Test start in the absence of Alex Mitchell, who is out injured with a neck problem. Fellow scrum-half Harry Randall is on the bench along with George Ford and six forwards.

In the pack, Tom Curry is set to start his first Test since last year’s World Cup after he underwent hip surgery in February.

He is part of a back row that includes Chandler Cunningham-South and Ben Earl. Curry’s twin brother, Ben, is among the replacements.

Jamie George captains the side from hooker, with Ellis Genge and Will Stuart the two starting props. Maro Itoje is joined in the second row by George Martin.

“We’re excited for the challenge of playing against one of the best teams in world rugby,” said England head coach Steve Borthwick.

“We’ll need to be accurate, keep our discipline, and maintain a level of intensity throughout the match, from the first whistle to the final moment.

“With just two games at Allianz Stadium in our last 15, it’s fantastic to be returning to play in front of our home crowd again. The energy and passion of our supporters always gives the team an extra lift.”