Dan Carter passed fit for New Zealand ahead of England clash

World's best player returns for Twickenham showdown

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter will start Saturday's clash with England at Twickenham after winning his injury battle.

Carter missed last weekend's 33-10 victory over Wales with an Achilles/calf problem but has been passed fit for the All Blacks' final match of the season.

The world champions will field players with a combined 788 caps in the starting line-up and 146 on the bench.

Two further changes to the XV sees hooker Keven Mealamu replace the suspended Andrew Hore, while lock Brodie Retallick is promoted to the second row in place of Luke Romano.

"There is huge motivation within the team to finish the season off on a high," All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said.

"We know that the English will lift themselves for their final match of the year, especially following their two recent narrow defeats to South Africa and Australia."

Of the 34 previous meetings between the rivals, New Zealand have won 27 with only one draw.

New Zealand: I Dagg; C Jane, C Smith, M Nonu, J Savea; D Carter, A Smith; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, O Franks, B Retallick, S Whitelock, L Messam, R McCaw (capt), K Read.

Replacements: D Coles, W Crockett, C Faumuina, L Romano, V Vito, P Weepu, A Cruden, B Smith.

PA