Marcus Smith will retain England No 10 shirt for Test series opener against New Zealand... after dazzling display during dominant victory against Japan

Marcus Smith is set to retain the England No 10 shirt for the Test series opener against New Zealand as head coach Steve Borthwick is expected to keep changes to a minimum.

The national team fly from the Far East to Auckland today, ready for back-to-back encounters with the All Blacks, in Dunedin on July 6 and at the Kiwis’ Eden Park fortress seven days later. 

England prepared for this daunting mission with an emphatic 52-17 victory over Japan here on Saturday and after Smith dazzled at fly-half, with a scorching try and two eye-catching assists, he will be retained as the primary playmaker, ahead of Fin Smith – who is destined to deputise again.

Borthwick’s quest for selection stability faces challenges, firstly due to a scare over Chandler Cunningham-South, after the Harlequins flanker’s impressive, try-scoring first Test start. 

‘Chandler took a knock early in the game – he rolled his ankle,’ said Borthwick. ‘It shouldn’t be an issue. It might affect a few days’ training but definitely the following week (he will be fit) is the message.’

Saracens lock Nick Isiekwe, who can also operate at blindside, will join the Red Rose squad in place of Charlie Ewels, who has been banned for two matches after being sent off on Saturday for an ugly ruck clear-out. 

‘I spoke to Saracens yesterday and Nick is fully fit and ready to go,’ said Borthwick.

‘He's been around the squad. He was in right at the very start of the Six Nations. He was into our second prep camp. 

'He obviously knows many of the players. He understands the system. He was eager, when I was on the phone to him last night. He's desperate for an opportunity.’