England make eight changes for Argentina, but Curry chosen to start

Steve Borthwick has made eight changes to his England team for Friday’s Rugby World Cup bronze medal final versus Argentina in Paris after last Saturday’s agonising 16-15 semi-final defeat to the Springboks.

There are three alterations in the backline, the fit-again Marcus Smith chosen in place of Jonny May and starting at No15 with Freddie Steward shifting to right wing. Henry Arundell comes onto the left wing in place of Elliot Daly, while Ben Youngs is the starting scrum-half with Alex Mitchell excluded.

Up front, the entire front row is revamped with Ellis Genge, Theo Dan and Will Stuart named to start, Ollie Chessum is at lock while Sam Underhill, a mid-tournament squad call-up for Jack Willis, gets his first start.

The inclusion of Underhill sees Tom Curry, who will win his 50th England cap, switch to blindside. Curry and his family have been subjected to “disgusting abuse” after he reported being on the receiving end of alleged discriminatory language during last Saturday's loss.

It emerged on Monday that World Rugby were formally reviewing the Curry allegation in relation to the use of discriminatory language by South African hooker Bongi Mbonambi.

Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, David Ribbans and Lewis Ludlam are the forwards on the bench, joined by backs Danny Care, George Ford (vice-captain), and Ollie Lawrence.

“After the disappointment of last weekend’s game against South Africa, it is important that this Friday we once again play with the determination and dedication that so nearly earned the team the result we wanted,” said Borthwick.

“The bronze final gives us a great opportunity to finish the tournament on a positive note, continue to build for the future, and to give our supporters one last chance to get behind the squad out here in Paris. The players are looking forward to the challenge against what will be a strong Argentina side.

“Our support from the many England fans, both at home and from those who have travelled to France to watch the team play, has been nothing short of fantastic. We are incredibly grateful to have your backing and on behalf of the entire England team, I would like to thank you all once again”.

Engand (vs Argentina, Friday – KO: 9pm local time)

15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 29 caps)

14. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 30 caps)

13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 25 caps)

12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 58 caps)

11. Henry Arundell (Racing 92, 9 caps)

10. Owen Farrell – captain (Saracens, 111 caps)

9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 126 caps)

1. Ellis Genge – vice-captain (Bristol Bears, 57 caps)

2. Theo Dan (Saracens, 6 caps)

3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 32 caps)

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 75 caps)

5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 17 caps)

6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 49 caps)

7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 29 caps)

8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 24 caps)

Replacements:

16. Jamie George (Saracens, 84 caps)

17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 4 caps)

18. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 106 caps)

19. David Ribbans (Toulon, 9 caps)

20. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 24 caps)

21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 95 caps)

22. George Ford – vice-captain (Sale Sharks, 90 caps)

23. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 20 caps)