Steve Borthwick’s England team to play Fiji at Twickenham Stadium sees Courtney Lawes achieve his 100th cap.
For this match, there are several changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous weekend. In the forwards, the changes include Theo Dan, Dan Cole, Ollie Chessum, Jack Willis, and Ben Earl, who will be taking up the No.8 position. Among the backs, Alex Mitchell, Ollie Lawrence, Jonny May, and Max Malins will be starting.
Notably, Jack Willis, Alex Mitchell, and Jonny May will be making their first starts of the Summer Nations Series. Additionally, Jack Walker has secured a spot in the match day squad for the first time this summer. Ellis Genge and George Ford have been appointed as vice-captains for the match. Noteworthy as well, Lewis Ludlam is making his return to the squad since his previous appearance against Wales in Cardiff.
Scroll down for the England team to play Fiji.
Borthwick said:
“Fiji have proven themselves to be a strong opposition and we look forward to what we expect to be an exciting and challenging game. Rest assured that we will be looking to convert the opportunities we have recently been creating week-on-week into points on the scoreboard.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Courtney on achieving his incredible milestone after 14 years of excellent performances for his country. It has been a privilege to watch his journey and witness him develop into a truly outstanding rugby player.
“Not only is Courtney an exceptional talent and an excellent professional, he is also a brilliant role model for young players every time he steps onto the field.”
England team to play Fiji:
England team to play Fiji: 15. Freddie Steward, 14. Max Malins, 13. Ollie Lawrence, 12. Manu Tuilagi, 11. Jonny May, 10. George Ford, 9. Alex Mitchell, 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Theo Dan, 3. Dan Cole, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. Ollie Chessum, 6. Courtney Lawes (C), 7. Jack Willis (Toulouse, 12 caps), 8. Ben Earl
Replacements: 16. Jack Walker, 17. Joe Marler, 18. Will Stuart, 19. David Ribbans, 20. Lewis Ludlam, 21. Danny Care, 22. Marcus Smith, 23. Joe Marchant
“Rip it up” – Sir Clive Woodward selects his England XV for 2023 Rugby World Cup
Writing in his column for the Mail Online, Woodward stated: “It’s time for Steve Borthwick to bite the bullet and tear apart England’s World Cup squad after poor warm-up displays and bans.”
Check out his full selection below.
#BACK-THREE:
15. Anthony Watson (Unattached)
14. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons)
11. Henry Arundell (London Irish)
Woodward wrote: “I’d have Henry Arundell and possibly Max Malins on the wings but I’d seriously consider either Adam Radwan or Cadan Murley instead of Malins from outside the current squad.”
#CENTRES:
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
12. Fredie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
Woodward wrote: “To get the most out of Smith, he needs a back line equal to his attacking talents and a licence to play. With this in mind, I would consider playing Freddie Steward at inside centre.
“Steward is a great defensive full back but England need a running threat there which is why I would play Anthony Watson. For too long England’s midfield thinking has been dominated by Manu Tuilagi.
“We need to get creative. Steward is strong defensively and he would do well in midfield.”
He added: “It was a big call to leave out Slade in the first place but the paucity of the side’s back line displays in the last three weeks has shown England badly miss his footballing ability.”