Semesa Rokoduguni and Alex Goode to start while Tom Wood left out

Semesa Rokoduguni and Alex Goode to start while Tom Wood left out

  • Semesa Rokoduguni is set to make his first England appearance since 2014 against Fiji
  • Fiji-born soldier Rokoduguni replaces Marland Yarde at right wing, while Nathan Hughes comes into the back-row
  • Flanker Tom Wood has been left out of the 25-man training squad
Bath winger Semesa Rokoduguni is set to make his first England appearance since 2014 against Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday.

The recall of Rokoduguni — a tank driver in the British army — follows a glowing reference from England playmaker and Bath teammate George Ford.

The fly-half said: “Roko is probably the most dangerous player I have ever played with and the best finisher I have ever played with.

“Especially this year with Bath, you give him the ball in a bit of space you can see what he can do.

“People see his unbelievable finishing quality but he is a great guy to have on your team. If he plays, we will be looking to get the ball in his hands as much as possible. He is a great lad. He is pretty quiet but likes a laugh and a joke every now and again.”

Rokoduguni replaces Harlequins winger Marland Yarde at right wing, while Wasps Nathan Hughes will come in for Northampton flanker Tom Wood if he recovers from a leg injury.



It is understood last season’s Premiership player of the season Alex Goode will start in place of regular full-back Mike Brown. The Saracens fullback last appeared for England from the bench in their Six Nations win in Italy in February.

Although Brown and winger Jonny May were rested on Tuesday – England say the Gloucester winger is fit to play his second autumn international while Brown is a contender for the bench.

With Rokoduguni, brothers Mako and Billy Vunipola, Hughes and Ben Te’o in his squad, Jones has not shied away from picking Pacific Islanders against Fiji.

ENGLAND vs FIJI (probable) A Goode; S Rokoduguni, J Joseph, O Farrell, J May; G Ford, B Youngs; M Vunipola, D Hartley (capt), D Cole, J Launchbury, C Lawes, C Robshaw, T Wood, B Vunipola/N Hughes

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