Veteran lock Simon Shaw has been recalled by England for their final November international, against New Zealand this Saturday, in one of three changes to the team made by manager Martin Johnson.

But flanker Tom Croft was demoted to the bench Wednesday – just two days after being named as one of the six nominees for the International Rugby Board player of the year award.

Shaw replaces Louis Deacon while in the backs Ayoola Erinle, who made his debut off the bench against Australia but didn’t feature at all in last week’s unconvincing 16-9 win over Argentina, makes his first Test start in place of Shane Geraghty, who struggled at Twickenham last weekend.

The powerful Erinle is set to be deployed in a bid to counter the threat of Ma’a Nonu although critics of England’s lack of guile against Argentina will bemoan the fact that the talented Mathew Tait is on the bench.

Experienced flanker Joe Worsley returned in place of Croft.

The 36-year-old Shaw missed this month’s defeat by Australia and the Argentina match with a foot injury.

This year he starred for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa, producing a brilliant display in the tourists’ second Test defeat followed up by a key role in their third Test win over the world champions.

And he is now expected to add some much needed force to England’s pack as
they prepare to face the powerful All Black forwards at Twickenham.

Tait takes Erinle’s place on the bench where prop David Wilson, who has been struggling with neck and shoulder injuries, provides front-row cover.

New Zealand, who beat Italy 20-6 in Milan last weekend, are due to name their side later on Wednesday.

The All Blacks have won their last seven Tests against England, a run that includes last year’s 32-6 victory – New Zealand’s record Twickenham score.

England: Mark Cueto; Matt Banahan, Danny Hipkiss, Ayoola Erinle, Ugo Monye; Jonny Wilkinson, Paul Hodgson; James Haskell, Lewis Moody, Joe Worsley; Steve Borthwick (capt), Simon Shaw; Duncan Bell, Dylan Hartley, Tim Payne. Res: Steve Thompson, David Wilson, Louis Deacon, Tom Croft, Danny Care, Shane Geraghty, Mathew Tait

© AAP 2012

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.