England are expected to hand two players their Test debuts against Fiji on Saturday as Steve Borthwick prepares to make several changes following the heavy defeat to South Africa.
According to the Telegraph, Saracens sensation Noah Caluori and newly qualified centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg are both in line to win their first caps at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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It is understood 19-year-old Caluori has been named among the replacements as part of a 5-3 bench split, completing a remarkable rise during his first full season in professional rugby.
The teenager scored 18 tries for Saracens last season and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the Premiership, with his finishing and outstanding ability in the air among his biggest strengths.
Freeman set for position switch
Tommy Freeman is also expected to move from outside centre back to his regular club position on the wing.
The switch is likely to prove popular with England supporters who believe the Northampton Saints star is at his most dangerous out wide.
It is also the most practical solution to the injury suffered by Cadan Murley, who damaged his shoulder during last weekend’s defeat against the Springboks in Johannesburg.
Freeman’s move had opened the door for Janse van Rensburg to make his debut from the start.
However, early indications suggest the Pretoria-born centre is more likely to join Caluori on the bench after officially completing his five-year residency qualification period this week.
Their report also states that Henry Slade is expected to be promoted into the starting XV at outside centre after making an impressive impact from the bench against South Africa.
England head into Saturday’s clash under mounting pressure following five successive Test defeats.
Despite that alarming run, Borthwick’s side will be strong favourites to end their losing streak against Fiji in Liverpool.
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ENGLAND TEAM TO PLAY FIJI (NOW CONFIRMED:
15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 51 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 28 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 75 caps)
12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 5 caps)
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 14 caps)
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 25 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 81 caps) – vice-captain
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 111 caps) – captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)
4. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)
5. George Martin (Saracens, 22 caps)
6. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 36 caps) – vice-captain
7. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 13 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 52 caps)
Replacements
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 59 caps)
17. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks, 7 caps)
18. George Kloska (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
19. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 69 caps)
20. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 31 caps)
22. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
23. Noah Caluori (Saracens, uncapped)
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