"Changes expected" - Sam Underhill replaces Tom Curry in leaked England XV

Wednesday, 06 July 2022 at 09:08

byRugby Rucker

Sam Underhill will return to the England team this weekend, replacing Tom Curry after the Sale Sharks flanker pulled out of the tour with a concussion.

The USA-born back-rower was overlooked altogether for the 30-28 defeat last weekennd but is ahead the race to be selected at openside flanker ahead of Lewis Ludlam and Jack Willis.

“Sam’s work rate on and off the ball are excellent. He’s a really good defender, particularly with his chop tackles,” said Australian defence coach Anthony Seibold, who joined Eddie Jones’ coaching team in the autumn.

“He’s played at a high level. I’m thinking of New Zealand at Twickenham in 2018 and, watching his performances at the World Cup from afar, he was a standout for me.”

It's also being widely reported that teenage sensation Henry Arundell is also in serious contention to replace Joe Cokanasiga on the left wing following his stunning debut try in the first Test.

EDITORS PICKS

EXPECTED ENGLAND XV:

BACK-THREE:

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
14. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
11. Henry Arundell (London Irish) for Joe Cokanasiga (Bath)

Freddie Steward of England goes over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

CENTRES:

13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens)

Joe Cokanasiga of England talks with Joe Marchant of England after the Summer International match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 24th August 2019. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.

HALFBACKS:

10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
9. Danny Care (Harlequins(

Marcus Smith of England prepares to take a penalty during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

FRONT-ROW:

1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs) for Jamie George (Saracens)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby_

Ellis Genge of England Rugby is tackled by Will Rowlands of Wales during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

SECOND-ROW:

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
5. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs)

Maro Itoje of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

BACK-ROW:

6. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath ) for Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens)

Sam Underhill of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

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