In an exciting lineup for Saturday’s final Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Fiji, Courtney Lawes is set to lead England on his 100th cap.
This milestone achievement is accompanied by the notable absence of Owen Farrell, who is suspended due to a ban resulting from a high tackle on Wales’ Taine Basham.
Lawes, a powerhouse forward from Northampton, will not only be captaining the team but is also expected to play a crucial role in the World Cup starting XV.
Having overcome past seasons’ absences, Lawes showcased his lineout dominance in the recent 29-10 defeat by Ireland.
This victory marked one of the few highlights in a challenging game for England.
His versatility on the field positions him as a likely candidate for the blindside flanker role.
A Journey of Excellence: Celebrating Courtney Lawes’ Longevity
Reflecting on Lawes’ remarkable journey, his Test debut off the bench against Australia at Twickenham paints a picture of his enduring presence in the sport.
Notably, he shared the field with rugby legends like Jonny Wilkinson, Steve Thompson, and even the current England coach Steve Borthwick.
Borthwick expressed his pride and admiration for Lawes’ achievements, commending his exceptional talent and professionalism, both of which make him an outstanding role model for young players.
England’s Quest for Momentum: Need to Secure a Convincing Win
As England gears up for the World Cup in France, the team is striving to regain momentum and spirit through a much-needed victory.
The goal is to win and score attacking tries, delivering a fluent and impressive performance on the field.
This is particularly important following the recent loss to Ireland where England conceded five tries.
Lineup Changes and Experimentation Ahead of World Cup Opener
Head coach Steve Borthwick has made nine changes to the lineup in response to the previous match’s challenges.
With Farrell and Billy Vunipola suspended, Gloucester wing Jonny May starts on the wing as part of the strategy to minimize disruptions.
The absence of Farrell and Vunipola is notable as they will also miss the World Cup opener against Argentina.
This final warm-up match serves as the last opportunity for England to experiment with its lineup before the World Cup begins.
Key Players in the Match
Among the changes, Ben Earl steps in at No8 in Vunipola’s absence, and George Ford retains his position at fly-half.
Marcus Smith is positioned on the bench, and his role as a back-up option at full-back is being explored.
Additionally, Alex Mitchell starts at scrum-half, filling in for the injured Jack van Poortvliet.
Ollie Chessum, having recovered from a dislocated ankle, makes his first start after having been a substitute in the previous match.
Hooker Theo Dan is also included in the front-row lineup.
The Lineup
The England team to face Fiji consists of: F Steward; M Malins, O Lawrence, M Tuilagi, J May, G Ford; A Mitchell; E Genge, T Dan, D Cole; M Itoje, O Chessum; C Lawes (capt), J Willis, B Earl.
The replacements include: J Walker, J Marler, W Stuart, D Ribbans, L Ludlam, D Care, M Smith, J Marchant.
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