Malakai Fekitoa dropped from All Blacks side to face England

All Backs coach Steve Hansen left Fekitoa out of his 23-man squad to play England at Twickenham this Saturday 8 November. (Kick-off: 2.30PM UKT, 3.30AM Sunday 9 November NZT).

Fekitoa has been given another week off to rest after what Hansen described as a “massive” season for the Highlanders midfielder, according to New Zealand Herald.

All Blacks statement says “the matchday squad that takes the field against England has 1,029 Test caps between them and an average age of 27 years”.

The team is:

Starting XV:

1. Wyatt Crockett (33)
2. Dane Coles (24)
3. Owen Franks (65)
4. Brodie Retallick (34)
5. Samuel Whitelock (60)
6. Jerome Kaino (54)
7. Richie McCaw – captain (134)
8. Kieran Read (70)
9. Aaron Smith (36)
10. Aaron Cruden (36)
11. Julian Savea (30)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (20)
13. Conrad Smith (83)
14. Ben Smith (35)
15. Israel Dagg (45)

Reserves:

6. Keven Mealamu (121)
7. Ben Franks (39)
8. Charlie Faumuina (24)
9. Patrick Tuipulotu (5)
10. Liam Messam (37)
11. TJ Perenara (8)
12. Beauden Barrett (26)
13. Ryan Crotty (10)