England’s Test series v New Zealand: Date, kick-off time and TV channel

Ten years on from their last tour of New Zealand, England head to Auckland hoping to improve on the 3-0 series loss they endured in 2014.

The series could prove to be Steve Borthwick’s biggest test as head coach since taking the helm in December 2022. It is the first time England have faced the All Blacks during his tenure.

In an exclusive interview with Telegraph Sport, the new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said he hopes England will play an expansive style of rugby.

When are the games?

• Saturday, July 6 — 8.05am (UK time)

• Saturday, July 13 — 8.05am (UK time)

The opening match comes just a month after the final game of the Gallagher Premiership, amid player welfare concerns. As previously reported by Telegraph Sport, Maro Itoje is set to break the 2,400-minute game-limit that was agreed between the Rugby Football Union, Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players’ Association in 2018.

Where will the games be played?

Borthwick’s side will open the series at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday, July 6 at 8.05am UK time, which is 7.05pm local time. The All Blacks played their first Test at the stadium in 2012 against South Africa, with the home team winning 21-11.

The second match is a week later, at Eden Park, the spiritual home of New Zealand rugby.

How can I watch the match?

There will be live TV coverage of the game on Sky Sports, with build-up beginning at 7.30am UK time on both Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action.

Alternatively, you can bookmark this page and return on July 6 to follow Telegraph Sport’s live blog.

What is the England team news?

Notably Tom Curry got the call-up for this set of England fixtures, making his first appearance in an England shirt since the World Cup against Japan. The flanker has suffered with a tough rehabilitation period following a hip injury which he himself described as a “car crash”.

He is joined by Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Chandler Cunningham-South, two 21-year-olds who impressed greatly in England’s most recent fixture against Japan.

Saracens lock Nick Isiekwe has been called up to replace Charlie Ewels, after he received a two-match ban for his red card against Japan.

What is the New Zealand team news?

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has appointed Scott Barrett as captain, and included five uncapped players in his first New Zealand squad.

Barrett’s brothers Beauden and Jordie join him in the side, as well reigning World Player of the Year Ardie Savea, and up-and-coming No 8 Wallace Sititi.

Sititi is joined by George Bell, Pasilio Tosi, Cortez Ratima, and Billy Proctor in receiving their first call-ups to the side.

What are the odds?

• England to win: 3/1

• New Zealand to win: 2/9

• Draw: 20/1

Odds correct as of June 24

Sinfield to leave New Zealand for Burrow funeral before rejoining England tour

By Adam Hathaway

Kevin Sinfield, the England assistant coach, will leave the New Zealand leg of England’s tour to attend the funeral of former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow.

Sinfield will miss the first Test against the All Blacks next Saturday in Dunedin but will head back after the service in Pontefract, in West Yorkshire, to prepare the team for the second game in Auckland on July 13.

The 43-year-old raised more than £7 million for MND causes after Burrow’s diagnosis, with the pair both being given CBEs for their efforts in raising awareness.

In a searingly honest interview in Auckland, Sinfield detailed the last time he saw Burrow, who died on June 2, aged 41, of motor neurone disease.

“That weekend was tough,” said Sinfield. “I got to see him on the Thursday before he passed. We had broken from camp, and I knew he was poorly, but I walked into see him and I got a big smile off him which was brilliant.

“Rob passed on a Sunday afternoon and on Monday we were in camp before we came out to Japan. At that point you want to be with family and friends and on Monday morning, before I travelled down to Pennyhill, I was at the site where the Rob Burrow MND Centre is going to be. They put the first spade in the ground, and his mum and dad were there and his sisters.

“There are a lot of things I have missed over the last few weeks. We were at the Premiership final, where they did a wonderful job with the tribute to Rob, and the FA did a wonderful job earlier that week. Then the Challenge Cup final goes ahead and there was a big tribute. Again, the response and love and respect from everyone across the UK for Rob has been wonderful and great to see. There was a big tribute last week at the Rhinos game, there was an MND round in Super League. There are some bits I would like to have been there to witness.”

The rugby league great admitted he would like to have attended more of sport’s tributes to Burrows and revealed the support he has had from England head coach Steve Borthwick, his players and staff.

Sinfield also told of how he was at an event to mark the start of construction on the Rob Burrow MND centre, in Leeds, the day after his friend’s death, before heading into England camp in Bagshot. He said his old friend would have wanted him to carry on with England on their trip instead of staying at home.

“I’ll be home for two days then I’ll be back out here getting ready for the second Test,” said Sinfield. “Steve has been wonderfully supportive of that. He completely understands and I couldn’t have asked for anymore. Apart from being at home with family, this is probably the best place for me to be. Rob would want me to be here and be part of this. He would want me to try and be supporting the guys.”

Sinfield is hugely popular amongst the England squad, although his future is uncertain, and they have wrapped their arms around him as he comes to terms to losing Burrow. He admitted being away on tour has been a help.

“I love being here too,” he added. “It’s been really good to get away and get some time to reflect. The lads have been fantastic throughout my time working with them. They’ve shown compassion and care for me that won’t go unnoticed.

“Steve and the management team have been wonderful, too. They’re very understanding that when you lose somebody – especially someone that close – it’s tough. I couldn’t have asked for more support. Steve, back to when we were at Leicester, has supported everything we’ve done. He understands I’m passionate about the MND community so his support has been brilliant too.”

As for his future, Sinfield commented: “What has happened with Rob, has given me plenty to think about again.

“He was a big inspiration for me to come across to rugby union to start with and he’s continued to be an inspiration with the career choices I’ve made so far, after he got diagnosed four and a half years ago. We’ll see.”

Burrow’s funeral is limited to 100 people, but Sinfield expects there to be a throng around the crematorium as fans pay their respects.

“It’s a private ceremony with family and friends,” he said. “People might know where it is and come and stand outside, but there’s only about 100 people who have been asked to attend. The rest will be asked to line the streets, which I’m sure they will.”

Sinfield was amongst an England contingent who went to an Auckland food bank on Thursday run by the legendary former New Zealand flanker Sir Michael Jones.

Sinfield added: “He saw from our guys some of his own wonderful qualities, which are supporting others and helping others who are less fortunate, and the guys really enjoyed helping out. I saw the work he was doing, and it was genuine. As you look around the world, especially in the UK, there are countries going through elections and recessions and cost of living is increasing everywhere. To be here and have an awareness of that is important and to be able to help some families who are less fortunate has been great.”