Sports · Other Sports · 7 hrs ago
England make 10 changes for Japan match as players vie for World Cup places
England have made 10 changes to their team for Saturday’s Nations Championship match against Japan.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has selected centre Max Ojomoh and wing Will Joseph, who have had few chances to play for England, and given Henry Pollock a rare start at number eight.
The changes follow a 45-22 win over Australia, but injuries and the need to rest players also shaped the selection.
Borthwick says only about five to seven places remain open in England’s 33-player squad for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The selected players must show they can help the team, not just stand out individually, as England look to avoid repeating a poor performance by a much-changed side against Japan in 2018.
England have won all six previous Tests against Japan, and the team will next have a chance to make its case on Saturday.
England have made 10 changes to their starting team for Saturday’s Nations Championship match against Japan.
Head coach Steve Borthwick says players have a chance to press their claims for places in next year’s Rugby World Cup squad.
Henry Pollock, Max Ojomoh and Will Joseph are among those selected, with Ojomoh and Joseph earning rare opportunities.
Injuries from England’s win over Australia have forced some changes, while several players have been rested.
Borthwick says around five to seven places in the 33-player World Cup squad remain open.
- Who
- England, coached by Steve Borthwick, will play Japan, coached by Eddie Jones.
- What
- England have made 10 changes to their team for the Nations Championship match.
- When
- Saturday; the exact date is not stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Injuries and player rotation prompted changes, while the match gives players a chance to press their claims for World Cup places.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
England beat Japan 52-17 in Tokyo.
Max Ojomoh impressed in England A's win over an Argentina XV.
England beat Australia, with Henry Pollock scoring twice after coming on as a replacement.
England announced a much-changed team for their match against Japan.
England are scheduled to play Japan in the Nations Championship.
- Changes
- 10 to England’s starting team
- World Cup squad
- 33 players
- Henry Pollock
- Scored eight tries in 14 Tests
- Max Ojomoh
- 26 years old
- Will Joseph
- Set to earn his third England cap
- Head-to-head
- England have won all six previous Tests against Japan
5 sources
Steve Borthwick has placed the onus on his England players to produce statement performances against Japan but 10 changes feels like too many, writes ALEX BYWATER
Steve Borthwick explains Max Ojomoh selection against Japan: ‘One of the most talented players in English rugby’
Pollock starts alongside Ojomoh and Joseph in bold England side
What people are saying
I'm really aware the narrative around World Cup selection exists. We don't avoid it.
There are probably 26 to 28 of the 33-man (World Cup) squad which is pretty clear
You're now talking about the next five, six or seven positions.