George Furbank ruled out of England’s second Test against New Zealand, Freddie Steward named as replacement
By Rhys Jones
Published 12/07/2024 at 10:01 GMT+1
England full-back George Furbank has been ruled out of England's second Test against New Zealand in Auckland with Leicester Tigers' Freddie Steward replacing him to earn his first cap since February. Furbank has become a key fixture of Steve Borthwick's England side, offering a useful option alongside Marcus Smith at fly-half, and England will miss his playmaking abilities.
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England full-back George Furbank will miss England’s second test against New Zealand in Auckland after a late injury, with Freddie Steward replacing him.
Steward will make his first appearance in an England shirt since February 10 when he started against Wales in the Six Nations.
Saints star Furbank was a key performer in England’s nailbiting 16-15 loss to the All Blacks in Dunedin and had even been singled out as a danger by Stephen Perofeta in the build-up to the second test.
Steward has lost his place to Furbank since the Six Nations, but before that, the Leicester Tigers player had been a cornerstone of England’s backline and one of the most dependable fullbacks under the high ball in rugby.
England scrum coach Tom Harrison said that while disappointing for Furbank, Steward is a “world-class” option for Steve Borthwick’s side.
“It is massively disappointing for George, he has been brilliant in the way he has been playing this season,” Harrison said.
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“But on a brighter note we have got depth in that position and a world-class player in Freddie Steward coming in.
“Freddie has been working hard on the things that George has been good at and George has been working hard on the things that Freddie is good at, so when moments like this happen players are always ready to step into the plan.
England flanker Sam Underhill echoed that, saying: "Their styles are different but their skillsets are also very similar. They are both very good at running the ball, both very good in the air and both have good kicking games.”
All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen admitted that while Steward is a handy replacement, he implied that England may lose some sharpness in attack.
"With Freddie Steward at the back, we understand his strengths, he's very strong in the air, a big composed boy," said Hansen.
"They will adjust and we possibly expect them to go in the air more. But they are all things we have acknowledged during the week. England are going to focus on what they do well and their DNA. Freddie Steward is a class full-back."
"Possibly,” Hansen said when asked whether England will miss Furbank in attack. “But there is an opportunity to step up there. What we need to do is defend well and the white jerseys in front are the key bit, not so much who is in it."
Although Borthwick’s side came agonisingly close to beating New Zealand in the first Test, they now head to Eden Park, where the All Blacks have not lost since 1994.
"There wouldn't be point going out there if we didn't have a level of confidence," Underhill added.
"You always respect the opposition, but you can only play well and trust you get a result off the back of it.
"There is no game we go into thinking we can't win - and I think that is true of every international team.
"It would be an amazing way to mark the tour, and a unique opportunity."
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