Eddie Jones has picked an experimental back row to face New Zealand this Saturday with Sam Simmonds starting at blind-side flanker alongside No 8 Billy Vunipola.
It will be the first time in his professional career that Simmonds has worn the No 6 jersey. He has only worn No 7, as a flanker, once for his club Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership – and that was in 2017 against Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership.
The selection represents a change in tack from Jones, who to this point in November has made it clear Test sides need three jumping lineout forwards in their pack.
“The way the game is at the moment, you need those three lineout jumpers,” Jones said on November 10.
“So