No Farrell for England as Lawes steps in as captain
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England appointed a new captain for their World Cup warm-up match against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday as a replacement for Owen Farrell, who awaits his fate after World Rugby appealed his disciplinary ruling.
England coach Steve Borthwick confirmed that Farrell was originally part of his plan for the match against Ireland.
“In my original planning for the Nations Series and as part of our World Cup preparation, Owen Farrell was due to be selected to play in this Saturday’s Test match in Dublin.
“However, in light of the fact that so much of Owen’s training and match preparation time this week has been significantly affected and interrupted by the disciplinary process, I have not selected him in the 23. Owen will travel to Ireland with our full support.
“Owen understands the situation, but is of course disappointed, as I am, that he is missing such a special game that he would otherwise have played in.”
Courtney Lawes will captain the England side that sees six changes to the starting XV that defeated Wales 19-17 at Twickenham Stadium last weekend.
George Ford and Ellis Genge are named as vice-captains.
In the front row, prop Genge is one of two changes to the forward pack, having won his 50th cap from the bench last Saturday. He is joined by Will Stuart on the tighthead and Jamie George at hooker.
David Ribbans, back in the side having successfully completed his return to play protocol, partners Maro Itoje in the second row.
The loose forwards, spearheaded by captain Lawes is completed by last weekend’s player of the match Ben Earl at openside and Billy Vunipola at No.8.
Ben Youngs and George Ford are named in the half back births in what will be the 61st time the pair have started a Test match together.
In midfield, Manu Tuilagi starts his first game of the Nations Series at inside centre partnering Joe Marchant at 13. In the back three, Anthony Watson is named on the right wing with Elliot Daly on the left and Freddie Steward at fullback.
Amongst the replacements, Ollie Chessum is back in an England shirt for the first time since the Six Nations having recovered from an ankle injury.
England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8. Billy Vunipola, 7. Ben Earl, 6. Courtney Lawes (captain), 5 David Ribbans, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Jamie George, 1. Ellis Genge.
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Jack Willis, 21 Danny Care, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Ollie Lawrence.
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 18.30 (16.30 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (NZR)
Assistant Referees: Craig Evans (WRU), Adam Jones (WRU)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
