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England brings in George Kruis and Tom Wood to face Argentina on Saturday
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Wasps back-rower Nathan Hughes left the England camp due to a lower leg injury
George Kruis returns to the England side for Saturday’s game against Argentina at Twickenham in one of four changes made by head coach Eddie Jones.
The Saracens lock is named at second-row alongside Courtney Lawes after recovering from an ankle injury while Tom Wood returns at flanker to partner Chris Robshaw and Billy Vunipola in the back-row.
In the backline there are also returns for Mike Brown at full back and speedster Jonny May on the right wing while Teimana Harrison is included on a bench that is otherwise unchanged.
“Selection was tough this week but it shows how competitive and how much depth we are developing,” said Jones.
“We’ve had a good week’s preparation and I’ve been really impressed by the players desire to get better. All the credit for what the team has done so far this autumn deserves to go to the players who have been absolutely exceptional.
“Dylan Hartley has led from the front as have Owen Farrell, George Ford and Billy Vunipola. There are a number of other players that have been in leadership roles helping to develop the team.
“This game against Argentina is a big step up for us as they were probably the second best team in the Rugby Championship and played some exceptional rugby. They are a quality team, have power in the forwards, speed and guile in the backs as well as great experience.”
England match-day 23 for the Old Mutual Wealth Series game against Argentina
15. Mike Brown (vice captain, Harlequins, 53 caps), 14. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 20 caps), 13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 27 caps), 12. Owen Farrell (vice captain, Saracens, 45 caps), 11. Elliot Daly (Wasps, 7 caps), 10. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 28 caps), 9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 63 caps), 1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 37 caps), 2. Dylan Hartley (captain, Northampton Saints, 77 caps), 3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 67 caps), 4. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 51 caps), 5. George Kruis (Saracens, 18 caps), 6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 53 caps), 7. Tom Wood (Northampton Saints, 43 caps), 8. Billy Vunipola (vice captain, Saracens, 31 caps).
Replacements
16. Jamie George (Saracens, 10 caps), 17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 44 caps), 18. Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, 2 caps), 19. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 1 cap), 20. Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints, 3 caps), 21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 64 caps), 22. Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors, 2 caps), 23. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps).
