Racing 92 playmaker was left out of squad for first two autumn Tests
Townsend cited Russell’s “form and consistency” levels for his decision although speculation persisted that – after the pair had a fallout in 2020 – there been another breakdown in relationship between head coach and talisman in the wake of the Six Nations protocol breach.
In the other two changes to the team, Fraser Brown replaces the injured George Turner at hooker, while Sione Tuipulotu returns at number 12 in place of Cam Redpath, who will turn out for Bath this weekend. Auckland Blues back Telea, 25, has been a squad member since coming in as Covid-19 cover during the Rugby Championship and now gets a first cap on the right wing.
Finlay Christie will win a third cap at scrumhalf playing against the country of his birth, where he lived until his family moved to New Zealand when he was seven years old.
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