England rugby is set to face Japan on Sunday in a crucial Autumn Nations Series match, and head coach Steve Borthwick has unveiled a revamped starting XV brimming with experience and talent. The team selection marks the highly anticipated return of two key players: Tom Curry and George Furbank.
Curry’s comeback is particularly significant after he missed the previous match against South Africa due to a head injury sustained in the clash against Australia. This concussion marked his second of the season and fifth in just two years, highlighting the demanding physical nature of professional rugby. Despite this, Curry has been declared fit to start at blindside flanker, pushing Chandler Cunningham-South to the bench.
Meanwhile, Furbank’s return at full-back adds another layer of strength to the English backline. His inclusion, alongside other key players, signals Borthwick’s determination to secure a much-needed victory, breaking a streak of five consecutive defeats and ending 2024 on a positive note at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. The pressure is on England to perform strongly against a formidable Japan side known for its fast-paced, high-tempo game.
Adding to the excitement, 20-year-old prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour is poised to earn his first senior cap for England, coming on from the bench. He will be joined by other impactful replacements including Luke Cowan-Dickie, Fin Baxter, Nick Isiekwe, Harry Randall, Fin Smith, and Tom Roebuck, providing crucial depth to the squad.
Borthwick himself acknowledges the formidable challenge ahead. “We anticipate a tough challenge from a team that thrives on playing fast and with tempo,” he commented. “Japan are a dangerous team so it’s important that we execute our game plan and maintain focus throughout the full 80 minutes.”
The England captain, Jamie George, will be supported by the experienced vice-captains Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, and Ellis Genge. The starting lineup features a formidable pack with Genge and Stuart forming a powerful front row, Itoje and Martin partnering in the locks, and a dynamic back row composed of Curry, Underhill, and Earl. In the crucial half-back positions, scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet will partner with fly-half Marcus Smith, while the midfield boasts the experience of Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence.
Completing the starting XV, Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme will man the wings, with Furbank providing a solid presence at full-back. The team is undoubtedly geared towards a strong performance and a much-needed win. The clash between England and Japan promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the best of international rugby, and England’s hopes for a successful end to their Autumn Nations Series rest squarely on this pivotal match.
England Team to Face Japan:
Starting XV:
15. George Furbank
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Ollie Lawrence
12. Henry Slade
11. Ollie Sleightholme
10. Marcus Smith
9. Jack van Poortvliet
1. Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Will Stuart
4. Maro Itoje
5. George Martin
6. Tom Curry
7. Sam Underhill
8. Ben Earl
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Fin Baxter
18. Asher Opoku-Fordjour
19. Nick Isiekwe
20. Chandler Cunningham-South
21. Harry Randall
22. Fin Smith
23. Tom Roebuck
