Marcus Smith starts number 10 against Wales in England’s final game before Steve Borthwick designates his Rugby World Cup squad
Marcus Smith starts number 10 against Wales in England’s final game before Steve Borthwick designates his Rugby World Cup squad
- Steve Borthwick’s team will play a World Cup warm-up match against Wales on Saturday
- The England coach is preparing to reduce his squad from 41 to 33 players
- Tom Pearson will make his England debut against Wales on open wide
Marcus Smith will wear the number 10 jersey at England’s final audition before their World Cup squad is named.
As head coach Steve Borthwick prepares to cut his squad from 41 to 33, he has loaded his squad with hopeful anticipation ahead of the game against Wales.
Tom Pearson will make his debut on the flank, with unlimited forwards Theo Dan and Tom Willis on the bench.
Smith will orchestrate a new-look backline along with centers Joe Marchant and Guy Porter, who are both vying for selection.
Giant winger Joe Cokanasiga has been given a start on the wing, joining the more famous back-three combination of Max Malins and Freddie Steward.
Marcus Smith starts number 10 in England’s final game before their World Cup squad is named
Steve Borthwick loaded his squad with potential as he prepares to take the squad down from 41 to 33
Tom Pearson will make his debut for England on Saturday against Wales as a winger
Scrum half Danny Care is the most experienced player in the England team, although prop Ellis Genge will captain in Owen Farrell’s absence.
In the pack, Pearson starts as an open flanker, just weeks after seeing his club London Irish go bankrupt.
With Billy Vunipola approaching a return, Alex Dombrandt has had a chance to impress at number 8, with Lewis Ludlam as blindside flanker.
Jamie Blamire and Will Stuart join Genge on the front row and scrum with another closing combination of David Ribbans and George Martin.
“England against Wales in Cardiff is always an exciting and closely fought game,” said Borthwick.
“I’m sure this Saturday will be no different than a great first test match of the Summer Nations Series.
“We are impressed with how the entire team has been committed both on and off the field during this training camp. We now look forward to returning to Test match rugby as we continue our preparations for the Rugby World Cup in France.”