Joe Launchbury has been drafted into England’s starting pack for the third Test against New Zealand after Geoff Parling was forced to withdraw from the second row with a strained hamstring. Bath’s Dave Attwood has been promoted to the replacements’ bench for the final game of the visitors’ season.

Parling has run England’s lineout successfully in the first two Tests and his absence was described as “a big loss” by the assistant coach Andy Farrell. “He’s been in great form and has been leading well from the front,” said Farrell. “He did everything he possibly could but he just isn’t right to play in an intense Test match.”

Launchbury had originally been left out because the management felt he was showing signs of wear and tear but he is now back alongside his Six Nations partner Courtney Lawes. “Joe was gutted not to be starting the match,” insisted Farrell. “He has licked his wounds a little bit but now he’s got a chance to start and I’m sure we’ll get more out of him because of that.”

England also remain hopeful they can deny New Zealand a record-equalling 17th successive Test victory, having lost the first two Tests by five points and one point respectively. “I think the way we have played and the manner we have carried ourselves down here I think we have a lot to be proud of,” said the hooker Dylan Hartley. “But results are what we’re after and we have come short.

“We are bitterly disappointed we haven’t won a Test and the boys want to finish the season with a bang. I don’t want to go away with on holiday for five weeks to dwell on a loss.”