England has made 8 changes to their matchday 23 squad to take on the Fiji Water Flying Fijians team in their last Rugby World Cup warm-up match this Sunday.
The changes include a start on the left wing for Jonny May, a player who wasn’t part of the official squad of 33 for the upcoming Rugby World Cup but was called to replace injured star winger Anthony Watson.
Head coach Steven Borthwick altered more than half of his starting team for a clash with the Fijians that will take place at a half-full Twickenham.
Borthwick says after another eventful and dramatic encounter against Ireland in Dublin last weekend, they are delighted to be back at Twickenham with our home supporters to welcome an in-form Flying Fijians team.
He says all of the Summer Nations Series Test matches have provided them with an opportunity to continue their preparations for the RWC.
Here's the England team to take on Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday (15:15 BST kick-off)
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 24, 2023
Congratulations to captain Courtney Lawes, who will win his 100th cap for England 🙌#ENGvFIJ | #WearTheRose | @O2
Borthwick says the Flying Fijians have proven themselves to be a strong opposition and they look forward to what they expect to be an exciting and challenging game.
Flanker Courtney Lawes will captain the side.
England will host the Flying Fijians at 2.15am at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday.
England starting xv:
Ellis Genge, Theo Dan, Dan Cole, Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum, Courtney Lawes, Jack Willis, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, George Ford, Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins, Freddie Steward.
Replacements:
Jack Walker, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, Marcus Smith, Joe Marchant.
