England name pair of No 8s in Sam Simmonds and Billy Vunipola to face All Blacks

England have taken the unexpected step of naming two number eights in their back row for Saturday’s headline clash of the autumn against New Zealand.Sam Simmonds and Billy Vunipola will offer Eddie Jones’ men explosive ball carrying options in a bold selection that was first seen when they were paired together at the end of last Saturday’s thumping victory over Japan.Both players are specialist number eights with Vunipola filling the position for his entire career and Simmonds’ last appearance at flanker coming in the Premiership five years ago.More to follow…Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalismBy registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalistsAlready have an account? sign inRegistration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalismBy registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalistsAlready have an account? sign inBilly VunipolaSam SimmondsEddie JonesEngland RugbySam Simmonds will start alongside Billy Vunipola against New ZealandAndrew Matthews/PA