Young England star gets his big chance as Borthwick rings the changes
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Steve Borthwick has made 10 changes to his starting XV as England prepare to face Japan in the Nations Championship at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, following their 45–22 victory over Australia.
Captain Maro Itoje is one of the players retained, with Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, George Martin, Henry Pollock, George Ford, Will Joseph, Max Ojomoh, Cadan Murley and Freddie Steward all coming into the starting line-up.
There is also an opportunity for young scrumhalf Archie McParland, who is in line to make his England debut after being named among the replacements.
Borthwick expects Japan to provide a different challenge, but has called on his side to maintain their intensity throughout the contest.
“Japan are a very well-coached side who will challenge us in different ways, and we know we’ll need to bring intensity throughout the game,” said Borthwick.
“The atmosphere at Allianz Stadium last week was incredible. The players really fed off the energy in the stadium, and we’re really looking forward to being back on Saturday.”
The England coach was also delighted to include McParland in the matchday 23 for the first time.
“We’re all delighted for Archie. He’s had some bad luck with injury, so it’s especially pleasing to be able to name him in an England matchday 23 for the first time. He’s an outstanding young talent who has worked hard to get to this point, and we’re all excited to see how he goes.”
After Saturday’s encounter with Japan, England will face New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Round Six of the Nations Championship before Finals Weekend, which takes place from November 27 to 29.
England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Will Joseph, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 George Ford (vice-captain), 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Henry Pollock, 7 Ben Earl, 6 Alex Coles, 5 George Martin, 4 Maro Itoje (captain), 3 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Emmanuel Iyogun, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Arthur Clark, 20 Ben Curry, 21 Greg Fisilau, 22 Archie McParland, 23 Marcus Smith.
Date: Saturday November 14
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 16.40 UK (16.40 GMT, 01.40 Japan, Saturday, November 14)
Referee: Damián Schneider (Argentina)
Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Craig Evans (Wales)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
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