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England recall Ford at 10 for All Blacks semi-final

Tokyo -England recalled George Ford at flyhalf on Thursday for their Rugby World Cup semi-final against New Zealand as they looked to widen their attacking options against the world champions.

Ford came off the bench during England's 40-16 quarter-final win over Australia. But he is now in the starting XV for Saturday's match against the reigning world champions in Yokohama.

England captain Owen Farrell, who started at flyhalf against the Wallabies, moves to inside centre with Manu Tuilagi alongside him in midfield.

Henry Slade drops down to the bench for the most important match of veteran Australian coach Jones's four-year reign with England, pitting the world's number two side against top-ranked New Zealand.

In-form wing Jonny May, who scored two tries against Australia, has been passed fit after leaving the field shortly before the end of the Wallabies' match with a hamstring problem.

Ford has been one of England's leading players at Japan 2019 and was named man of the match in a pool win against the United States.

But concerns about the threat posed by Australia powerhouse midfielder Samu Kerevi saw him benched for the quarter-final.

Ford's inclusion is set to bolster England's kicking and distribution options, with All Blacks centres Anton Lienert-Brown and Jack Goodhue not posing the same physical threat as Kerevi.

"We just feel it's the right combination this week," Jones told reporters of his decision to revert to a dual playmaker system featuring childhood friends Ford and Farrell.

"Whenever you play against New Zealand your work off the ball is going to be massively important.

"They like to move the ball around, they are very good on transition and George's work-rate off the ball has been absolutely exceptional."

The only other change to England's matchday 23 sees back-row Mark Wilson replace Lewis Ludlam on the bench.

Meanwhile Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola will win his 50th cap in a back-row featuring "kamikaze kids" Sam Underhill and Tom Curry.

England have won just seven of their 41 Tests against New Zealand - who hammered Ireland 46-14 in the last eight - and they have lost all three of their previous World Cup encounters against the All Blacks.

But several members of the current side featured the last time England beat the All Blacks in a 38-21 victory at Twickenham seven years ago, and were also involved in the 2017 British and Irish Lions squad that drew a Test series in New Zealand.

"I think traditionally when you play against New Zealand the pace and intensity of the game gets you," said Jones, Australia's coach when they beat the All Blacks in the semi-finals of the 2003 World Cup, where the Wallabies lost to England in the final.

"I think if you have experienced that before you understand what you have got to prepare yourself for and most of our squad have been involved in those games so we've got great experience.

"They know what New Zealand's going to bring to the game."

England have also known they were in line for a semi-final against New Zealand ever since the World Cup pool draw took place in May 2017.

"We are ready for the game, we've had two-and-a-half years to prepare for this game so we are ready to go," insisted Jones.

"It's going to be a great contest, isn't it? Two heavyweights, one dressed in black, one dressed in white. You couldn't think of a better scenario."

New Zealand, who have not lost a World Cup match since their 2007 quarter-final defeat by France, named their side earlier on Thursday.

The All Blacks made just one change for a game coach Steve Hansen said could be one "for the ages".

Scott Barrett was named at blindside flank, replacing Sam Cane who moves to the bench.

Kick-off is at 10:00 (SA time) on Saturday.

Teams:

New Zealand

15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Scott Barrett, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Cody Taylor, 1 Joe Moody

Substitutes: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Sonny Bill Williams, 23 Jordie Barrett

England

15 Elliot Daly, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Owen Farrell (captain), 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Tom Curry, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Mako Vunipola

Substitutes: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Dan Cole, 19 George Kruis, 20 Mark Wilson, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 Henry Slade, 23 Jonathan Joseph

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