Omitted props: Mako Vunipola (injury)
Head coach Steve Borthwick announced that Mako Vunipola, the experienced 80-cap Test front-row player, will not be part of the initial 33-man Rugby World Cup squad, which is set to be revealed on Monday.
“At this stage, Mako (Vunipola) is not going to be a fit enough state to be selected this Monday,” revealed Borthwick to Planet Rugby.
“I know the 33 will be announced on Monday but we also know that through the tournament changes will happen and that’s something we will always be monitoring.
“There was certainly a precedent set in prior World Cup preparations that where there’s injury, where there’s players with bumps and bruises, is that players from outside the 33 can can be part of it.
“Mako sent us a message this morning, wishing us all the best for the game today. There’s a number of changes that happen to the squad during a World Cup and we’re all well aware those happen.
“The average is one and a half changes per team so we know that’s going to be a factor. What we must do is focus very much on the players we have selected and I’m excited to announce those on Monday.”
Omitted hookers: Jamie Blamire
