Code-hopping centre Sonny Bill Williams has been given another opportunity to showcase his game-breaking ability after two years in rugby league as All Blacks’ coach Steve Hansen named a virtually full-strength team to face England at Twickenham tomorrow.

The 2011 World Cup winner, who burst back onto the international scene last week against the United States with two tries after two years in the Australia’s National Rugby League, was the only real surprise in Hansen’s selections for the match.

“We just think Sonny brings something pretty unique,” Hansen told New Zealand’s Fairfax Media in London of the decision to give him the start instead of incumbent rookie Malaki Fekitoa or the versatile Ryan Crotty.

“We have seen him against lesser opposition and now we just need to see him against quality opposition.

“If he can do what he did the week before it will be good.”

The All Blacks coach added that Fekitoa, who had impressed after shifting into inside centre following Ma’a Nonu’s injury against South Africa in September, was not considered to better manage his workload.

Hansen also chose not to stretch flyhalf Daniel Carter, who played for 30 minutes against the Eagles last week in Chicago in his first test in almost a year, in the pressure environment in London.

Carter was not named in the matchday 23 to face Stuart Lancaster’s side as he continues to recover from a broken leg, with Beauden Barrett to come off the bench.

Aaron Cruden retained the starting jersey in the pivotal position.

“Dan’s fitness is fine. He just hasn’t played enough rugby yet to play in a match like this,” Hansen added.