Centres: Manu Tuilagi – 170 votes & Henry Slade – 98 votes
With Farrell starting at 10, England fans have opted for the Tuilagi/Slade 12/13 combination that has been Jones’ go-to pairing of late. Tuilagi’s fitness problems are hopefully behind him now, and his brute power and excellent footwork combined with Slade’s vision and impressive skills set provide England with a balanced centre partnership – something they have struggled to embed since the halcyon days of 2003.
Runners-up: Owen Farrell – 32 votes, Jonathan Joseph – 12 votes, Piers Francis – 4 votes, Elliot Daly – 4 votes
Wings: Jonny May – 198 votes & Joe Cokanasiga – 158 votes
Two contrasting wingers are selected by England fans for this World Cup: the unbridled pace of May with the juggernaut power of Cokanasiga. Illustrating England’s depth out wide, the likes of Nowell, Watson and Daly all miss out, although Watson’s absence might be explained by the choice of 15 here.
Runners-up: Jack Nowell – 70 votes, Anthony Watson – 18 votes, Elliot Daly – 13 votes, Ruaridh McConnochie – 3 votes
Fullback: Anthony Watson – 155 votes
Despite Elliot Daly having started all three of England’s World Cup warm-ups at fullback, questions over his defence and ability under the high ball mean he misses out to Bath’s Watson at fullback. With the pressure cooker of a World Cup the ultimate defensive challenge for a 15, it seems the supporters see Watson as a far safer option.
Runners-up: Elliot Daly – 57 votes, Jack Nowell – 9 votes
Ruck Supporters’ England World Cup XV:
1) Mako Vunipola
2) Jamie George
3) Kyle Sinckler
4) Maro Itoje
5) George Kruis
6) Tom Curry
7) Sam Underhill
8) Billy Vunipola
9) Willi Heinz
10) Owen Farrell (c)
11) Jonny May
12) Manu Tuilagi
13) Henry Slade
14) Joe Cokanasiga
15) Anthony Watson
Replacements:
16) Luke Cowan-Dickie
17) Joe Marler
18) Dan Cole
19) Courtney Lawes
20) Mark Wilson
21) Ben Youngs
22) George Ford
23) Elliot Daly/Jack Nowell