Cole returns as Lancaster names his men to face All Blacks

England have named Dan Cole at tighthead prop for Saturday's QBE International against New Zealand. (Picture: David Davies/PA Wire)

Cole dropped to the bench for last weekend’s 31-12 victory over Argentina and was replaced by David Wilson, but the front rows have swapped places once more for the final Test of the autumn.

Joe Marler has successfully completed his return to play protocols after being concussed against the Pumas so continues at loosehead, packing down alongside Dylan Hartley who wins his 50th cap.

“It’s a great achievement for Dylan to reach 50 caps. We are a young side but one that is growing with every game and it’s important to have leaders like Dylan,” said head coach Stuart Lancaster.

There are three changes to the bench with Matt Mullan profiting from England’s injury problems at loosehead to offer cover for Marler.

Both Alex Corbisiero and Mako Vunipola have been ruled out with knee complaints, giving Mullan the opportunity to win his second cap after making his debut in the 2010 RBS 6 Nations.

Ben Youngs returns to the replacements after overcoming his hip problem with Leeds-born Danny Care dropping out of the 23 altogether. Wilson’s demotion completes the trio of changes to the bench.

Lancaster’s scope to make adjustments was restricted by injuries to wings Marland Yarde and Christian Wade, who have been ruled out with respective hip and hamstring problems.

Chris Ashton continues on the right wing, giving him another chance to rediscover the Test form that has deserted him over the past 12 months.

“We have had some enforced changes with Alex and Mako unavailable and we have been unable to consider a number of players due to short and long-term injuries,” Lancaster said.

“But we are ready for the challenge of playing a top-quality side in New Zealand and are excited about playing at Twickenham.”

There are seven survivors from the XV that demolished New Zealand 38-21 at Twickenham last autumn in Cole, Joe Launchbury, Tom Wood, Chris Robshaw, Owen Farrell, Mike Brown and Ashton.

That defeat was the All Blacks’ only loss in 33 matches dating back to August 2011 - the year they won the World Cup. They are seeking a 13th successive victory this year.

England are looking to complete a 10th win in 11 matches and their seventh consecutive triumph at Twickenham.

“The atmosphere was amazing for this game last year - the crowd made a real difference and I’m sure they can help inspire us again on Saturday,” Lancaster said.

England: M Brown (Harlequins); C Ashton (Saracens), J Tomkins (Saracens), B Twelvetrees (Gloucester), B Foden (Northampton); O Farrell (Saracens), L Dickson (Northampton); J Marler (Harlequins), D Hartley (Northampton), D Cole (Leicester), J Launchbury (Wasps), C Lawes (Northampton), T Wood (Northampton), C Robshaw (Harlequins, capt), B Vunipola (Saracens).

Replacements: T Youngs (Leicester), M Mullan (Wasps), D Wilson (Bath), G Parling (Leicester), B Morgan (Gloucester), B Youngs (Leicester), T Flood (Leicester), A Goode (Saracens).