Head coach opts for continuity but wants a fast and furious England to face the All Blacks

Far-reaching implications, pivotal decisions, an expectant nation. But let's not dwell on Rachel Reeves's mega budget and instead examine the intricacies of Steve Borthwick's first autumnal England team selection.

- Robert Kitson

A smart mix of choices for future growth? Or just a hint of belt-tightening in preparation for a potentially bruising few weeks?

The truth, as so often in politics, would appear to lie somewhere in between. In one or two areas Borthwick has had to channel his inner chancellor of the exchequer and make some tough calls. Sam Underhill has had some special days against New Zealand in the past and yet now finds himself unable to make the matchday 23. Fin Smith is supposed to be the coming man at fly-half but is suddenly nowhere to be seen.

On the other hand, however, shares in the Sale triumvirate of the Curry twins and George Ford have just soared significantly. Bath's scrum-half Ben Spencer, in the absence of the injured Alex Mitchell, is probably the big winner, having spent the past six years waiting for the oval-ball equivalent of Godot. A 6-2 bench also offers a clear clue to England's priorities: Borthwick wants his side to keep coming hard for the full 80 minutes, regardless of what New Zealand have in store.