England squad named for Japan
Eddie Jones has named a 23-player squad for England’s match against Japan at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.
David Ribbans will make his England debut after being named at lock. He will play alongside Jonny Hill, while props Ellis Genge (vice-captain) and Kyle Sinckler join hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie in completing the tight five.
- Kick off at 3:15pm
- Limited tickets available
Sam Simmonds comes in at No 8 with Maro Itoje and Tom Curry staying on the flanks. There is a return for Jonny May, for the first time since November 2021, on the left wing. Jack Nowell (vice-captain) is at right wing and Freddie Steward is named full back.
Owen Farrell (inside centre) will again captain the side, and is partnered in the middle with Guy Porter. Jack van Poortvliet will start at scrum half and Marcus Smith stays at fly half.
Jamie George returns from injury and is named as a finisher, alongside Alex Coles, Mako Vunipola, Joe Heyes, Billy Vunipola, Ben Youngs, Henry Slade and Manu Tuilagi.
"We’ve worked hard this week to improve on last week’s performance. We’ve taken a good look at our preparation and we are happy with our position going into the game," said Jones.
"We’ve made a few changes to the side as we play these four games in November. In particular with Manu we are balancing his workload.
"Japan are a very good and intriguing side. They play a unique type of rugby based on continuity and team cohesion and we’ll have to be at our best against them at Twickenham on Saturday."
Squad
Starters
15. Freddie Steward
14. Jack Nowell (VC)
13. Guy Porter
12. Owen Farrell (C)
11. Jonny May
10. Marcus Smith
1. Ellis Genge (VC)
5. Jonny Hill
6. Maro Itoje
7. Tom Curry
8. Sam Simmonds
Finishers
16. Jamie George
17. Mako Vunipola
18. Joe Heyes
19. Alex Coles
20. Billy Vunipola
21. Ben Youngs
22. Henry Slade
23. Manu Tuilagi