On Saturday, Spencer will start for England for the first time in his international career, following Alex Mitchell’s unavailability due to a neck injury.
Slade returns to the starting line-up after recovering from shoulder surgery, having made his return to rugby for Exeter Chiefs over the weekend in a 36-19 loss to Harlequins. Curry has also returned to the international starting line-up for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup after recovering from a near career-ending hip injury.
Jamie George has been named as England's skipper, and is supported by the inclusion of four vice-captains: Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge and George Ford (the latter of whom starts on the bench).
England have won just one of their last 10 men’s Test matches against New Zealand (D1, L8), with that win coming in the epic clash at the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final. England have trailed at half-time in just three of the last 10 matches, with the All Blacks coming from behind to win on four occasions.
The last time these two met during the Autumn Nations Series was in 2022, when England fought back from 25-6 down with just 10 minutes to play to draw 25-25. But this will be no mean feat, as New Zealand have won on 19 occasions away to England, the join most of any team - despite playing just 26 matches on English soil - to claim a win rate of 73%.
In the forward pack, George is positioned at hooker, joined by Ellis Genge at loosehead and Will Stuart at tighthead prop. In the second row, Itoje pairs with George Martin, while the back row features Chandler Cunningham-South on the blindside flank, Curry on the openside, and Ben Earl at No. 8.
In the half-back positions, scrum-half Spencer teams up with Marcus Smith at 10. The midfield sees Ollie Lawrence named at inside centre with Slade at 13.
The back three comprises Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the right wing, Tommy Freeman on the left, and George Furbank at fullback.
England have opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, featuring forwards Theo Dan, Fin Baxter, Dan Cole, Nick Isiekwe, Ben Curry, and Alex Dombrandt, with Harry Randall and Ford providing backline support.
"We're excited for the challenge of playing against one of the best teams in world rugby," said Borthwick.
"We'll need to be accurate, keep our discipline, and maintain a level of intensity throughout the match, from the first whistle to the final moment.
"With just two games at Allianz Stadium in our last 15, it's fantastic to be returning to play in front of our home crowd again. The energy and passion of our supporters always gives the team an extra lift."
