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England make eight changes for Argentina, but Curry chosen to start
By Liam Heagney
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)
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Latest Comments
Not sure I understand. Its not obvious how you prioritize URC, Champions/Challenge Cup, Internationals, and rest. And if you add player development plans (eg experience of positions, playing conditions, game plans, opponents playing styles etc) it becomes harder. Additionally, consistency of selection helps with making adjustments to systems and tactics, so that further constrains your options. Travel challenges don’t make it easier.
Jake White has effectively decided that he would rather have a chance of success in one competition, at the expense of the other competition, than a near certainty of heroic failure in both. And he has implied that over time he plans to build enough depth to give the Bulls a chance in both the URC and Champions Cup simultaneously.
Not sure what is being proposed here that is supposedly a better plan.
Go to commentsIndeed he has STARTED more test games at 8. I actually said he’s PLAYED more games at 7, though. Do you remember where he tended to play when he came on wearing #20?
He likely will select on the basis of win ratios. IRE and ENG won 4, SCOT won 2 and WAL won none. 6 Irish, 6 English, 3 Scottish seems about right for the starting 15.
Yeah, I think he’ll definitely bring Beirne to have as a utility lock/flanker. Doris’ discipline and leadership has maybe rocked a little this year but he’s still the best 8 in the game.
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