Courtney Lawes will win his a centesimal cap for England as Steve Borthwick’s aspect face Fiji of their closing Rugby World Cup warm-up.
The blindside flanker will once more captain the crew within the absence of Owen Farrell, who was given a four-match ban on Tuesday.
In the absence of Billy Vunipola, who can be suspended, Ben Earl slides over to begin at quantity eight with Jack Willis introduced into the again row on the openside.
Borthwick has opted to pair Ollie Lawrence and Manu Tuilagi in a midfield excessive on carrying potential, whereas livewire hooker Theo Dan makes a primary begin in a aspect containing 9 modifications from the crew that began in opposition to Ireland.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Courtney on achieving his incredible milestone after 14 years of excellent performances for his country,” Borthwick stated of his captain, who is ready to develop into England’s fifth male centurion.
“It has been a privilege to watch his journey and witness him develop into a truly outstanding rugby player. Not only is Courtney an exceptional talent and an excellent professional, he is also a brilliant role model for young players every time he steps onto the field.”
Lawes retains the captaincy of a aspect that once more options George Ford and Alex Mitchell in half again partnership.
Jonny May, who didn’t make the World Cup squad of 33, begins on the wing with Anthony Watson dominated out of the event and each Elliot Daly and Henry Arundell not match to characteristic this weekend.
Ollie Chessum steps as much as the beginning aspect within the second row after making his return from a protracted harm lay-off in Dublin final weekend, whereas hooker Jack Walker is in line for his first look of the summer season from the bench after overcoming an harm concern.
“After another eventful and dramatic encounter against the number one team in the world in Dublin last weekend, we are delighted to be back at Twickenham with our home supporters to welcome an in-form Fiji team,” stated Borthwick.
“All of the Summer Nations Series Test matches have provided us with an opportunity to continue our preparations for the Rugby World Cup in France. Fiji have proven themselves to be a strong opposition and we look forward to what we expect to be an exciting and challenging game. Rest assured that we will be looking to convert the opportunities we have recently been creating week-on-week into points on the scoreboard.
“At this our last Test before heading to France, I want to thank our fans for all the support you continue to give us, and it means a lot to us that you will be behind us all the way on our World Cup journey.”
England have to date suffered two defeats from three warm-up fixtures forward of the event, falling to a 27-9 defeat to Ireland final Saturday.
Borthwick’s aspect begins their World Cup in opposition to Argentina in Marseille on Saturday 9 September.
England crew to face Fiji at Twickenham (Saturday 26 August, kick-off at 3.15pm BST)
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 25 caps)
14. Max Malins (Bristol Bears, 20 caps)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 13 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 52 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 72 caps)
10. George Ford – vice-captain (Sale Sharks, 84 caps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
1. Ellis Genge – vice-captain (Bristol Bears, 51 caps)
2. Theo Dan (Saracens, 2 caps)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 101 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 69 caps)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 10 caps)
6. Courtney Lawes – captain (Northampton Saints, 99 caps)
7. Jack Willis (Toulouse, 12 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 17 caps)
Replacements:
16. Jack Walker (Harlequins, 3 caps)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 81 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 28 caps)
19. David Ribbans (Toulon, 7 caps)
20. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 89 caps)
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 23 caps)
23. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 18 caps)