Ben Earl moves into the No 8 role as Billy Vunipola serves his suspension; Owen Farrell to miss the start of the World Cup after receiving a four-game ban; Billy Vunipola has been banned for three matches, which will be reduced to two if he attends tackle school
Thursday 24 August 2023 15:43, UK
Ben Earl will start at No 8 for England against Fiji on Saturday in the absence of the banned Billy Vunipola as head coach Steve Borthwick makes nine changes to his side.
Vunipola is the only 'specialist' No 8 in the England squad but will serve the first game of a two-match suspension following a red card against Ireland, as Earl steps into his role.
George Ford continues at fly-half alongside Alex Mitchell at scrum-half while captain Owen Farrell sits out match two of his four-game suspension.
Courtney Lawes will captain England on his 100th cap, 14 years on from his debut as a 20-year-old against Australia in 2009.
On Lawes, Borthwick said: "We couldn't be prouder of Courtney on achieving his incredible milestone after 14 years of excellent performances for his country.
"It has been a privilege to watch his journey and witness him develop into a truly outstanding rugby player.
"Not only is Courtney an exceptional talent and an excellent professional, he is also a brilliant role model for young players every time he steps onto the field."
Other changes to the side see Theo Dan get his first England start at hooker, where he is joined by loosehead prop Ellis Genge and Dan Cole at tighthead.
Having featured off the bench against Ireland, Ollie Chessum lines up alongside Maro Itoje in the second row, while Jack Willis makes his first start of the Summer Nations Series at openside flanker.
In the centres, Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence combine, while Freddie Steward and Max Malins continue at full-back and right wing respectively.
Jonny May comes in on the left wing for the first time this summer despite not being picked in Borthwick's World Cup squad, although he is now in line to replace the injured Anthony Watson in the 33-man party.
Hooker Jack Walker is named among the replacements alongside Joe Marler, Will Stuart, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, Marcus Smith, and Joe Marchant.
"After another eventful and dramatic encounter against the No 1 team in the world in Dublin last weekend, we are delighted to be back at Twickenham with our home supporters to welcome an in-form Fiji team," added Borthwick.
"All of the Summer Nations Series Test matches have provided us with an opportunity to continue our preparations for the Rugby World Cup in France.
"Fiji have proven themselves to be a strong opposition and we look forward to what we expect to be an exciting and challenging game.
"Rest assured that we will be looking to convert the opportunities we have recently been creating week-on-week into points on the scoreboard.
"At this our last Test before heading to France, I want to thank our fans for all the support you continue to give us, and it means a lot to us that you will be behind us all the way on our World Cup journey."
Fiji, meanwhile, will pair captain Waisea Nayacalevu and highly-rated centre Semi Radradra for the first time.
Nayacalevu comes into the side, and takes over the captaincy from Radradra, in one of seven changes from the side that lost 34-17 to World Cup hosts France last week.
Starting XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Max Malins, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Alex Mitchell, 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Theo Dan, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Courtney Lawes (c), 7 Jack Willis, 8 Ben Earl
Replacements: 16 Jack Walker, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Will Stuart, 19 David Ribbans, 20 Lewis Ludlam, 21 Danny Care, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Joe Marchant
Starting XV: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Selesitino Ravutaumada, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Semi Radradra, 11 Vinaya Habosi, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 6 Albert Tuisue, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidveta, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Jone Koroiduadua, 18 Samu Tawake, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Vilive Miramira, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Teti Tela, 23 Kalaveti Ravouvou
