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Ford and Farrell in midfield

George Ford will make his first Test start for England in Saturday's international against Samoa at Twickenham.

The 21-year-old Bath flyhalf takes over from former age-group teammate Owen Farrell, with the Saracens player shifting to inside centre.

Given Brad Barritt retains the No.13 jersey, the move sees Stuart Lancaster re-instate the midfield partnership that started his maiden game in charge back in February 2012 against Scotland at Murrayfield.

In all, Lancaster has made six changes, including Farrell's positional switch, to the side beaten 31-28 by the Springboks last weekend as 2015 World Cup hosts England look to end a run of five straight defeats.

Elsewhere, Ford is partnered by his former Leicester Tigers colleague Ben Youngs at scrumhalf, while James Haskell of Wasps and Gloucester No.8 Ben Morgan replace Tom Wood (Northampton Saints) and Billy Vunipola (Saracens) in the back row.

Finally, Bath's  Rob Webber comes in at hooker for Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), with Billy Twelvetrees of Gloucester and Saracens scrum half Richard Wigglesworth joining the replacements for the first time in this November series.

"It's great to give George a start in this series after he missed the summer tour through injury," Lancaster said.

"George has been impressive in camp and is now fully up to speed with the game plan and is ready to run the game. Owen switches to No.12 and I'm sure will support George well."

Lancaster said those selected have a great opportunity to show what they can do against what will be a highly motivated"" Samoan team.

"In the back row both James and Ben have been in great form and I am sure they will bring their physical presence to the game.

“Hooker is another competitive position and we believe Rob is ready for the start and will continue the progress he made on the New Zealand tour."  

England have suffered three-point defeats in both their Twickenham encounters so far this month, losing 21-24 to New Zealand before last week's reverse against the Springboks, although late scores by Lancaster's side in each of those matches have put a Red Rose gloss on the final result.

Their current run of five straight defeats – albeit four were against the All Blacks – is England's worst since they suffered seven successive losses in 2006.

However, England have won all six of their previous Tests against Samoa and defeat by the Pacific Islanders on Saturday would constitute a huge upset.

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Brad Barritt, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Chris Robshaw (captain), 6 James Haskell, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Dave Attwood, 3 David Wilson, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Joe Marler.

Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Matt Mullan, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 George Kruis, 20 Tom Wood, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Billy Twelvetrees, 23 Marland Yarde.

Date: Saturday, November 22

Venue: Twickenham, London

Kick-off: 19.00 (19.00 GMT; 09.00, Sunday, November 23 Samoan time)

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Mathieu Raynal (France), Dudley Phillips (Ireland)

TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)

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