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England blow as George Furbank misses second Test versus New Zealand
By PA
England have been dealt a blow on the eve of their second Test against New Zealand after George Furbank was ruled out of the Auckland showdown by a back injury.
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Furbank was singled out as the tourists’ dangerman by opposite number Stephen Perofeta earlier in the week but his late injury setback means his cutting edge in attack will be missing at Eden Park.
Freddie Steward replaces Furbank at full-back in his first appearance for England since February 10 when he started against Wales in the Six Nations.
Oh balls. That's a big problem.
Freddie Steward is probably the best highball fullback in the world but he's slow to turn and offers very little in attack other than being a big strong guy who can crash it up.
If we were playing a NH side I'd say he at least gives us an edge aerially but against NZ I think he's going to struggle defensively and not create much. I'm not sure if Tommy Freeman dropping back to make room for Sleightholme might be better or even bring in Joe Carpenter. It's a tough call, Steward is a tough competitor and we know Eden Park will be a cauldron so I can see why Borthers has done it but in the long run we need to find a like for like replacement for Furbank. Wonder if we're going to be box kicking more to get some mileage out of Steward offensively.
That’s a setback for England. They don’t have an adequate replacement for Furbank.
Steward’s lack of agility might get exposed. He’s prone to getting stepped badly, and both Reece as well as Telea can pull his pants down.