US EditionSmiths back, Itoje on bench for much-changed England
England makes seven lineup changes for Fiji test with Ellis Genge as captain and recalls Marcus and Fin Smith to strengthen key positions, coach Steve Borthwick said.
- On Saturday, England recalled Marcus Smith and Fin Smith among seven changes to face Fiji, with Maro Itoje on the bench and Ellis Genge leading the side as captain.
- In response to injuries and eligibility issues, Freddie Steward is out with a finger injury, Tom Roebuck suffered a training injury on Tuesday, and Tom Willis was dropped after announcing a move to France.
- Tactically, Borthwick shuffled the back row with Chandler Cunningham-South at No 8, Ben Earl at openside flanker, Guy Pepper at blindside, Tommy Freeman on the wing, Ollie Lawrence returning at 13, and a 6-2 bench split including Henry Arundell and Ben Spencer.
- Ellis Genge will lead the side, captaining England for the third time as Maro Itoje's injury limits his training, while Borthwick praised Genge's intensity despite two previous captaincy losses.
- Looking ahead, England will then face New Zealand and Argentina on the following two Saturdays after playing Fiji, which Borthwick warned is "a dangerous team with power and quality right across the pitch.
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14 Articles
Smiths back, Itoje on bench for much-changed England against Fiji
BAGSHOT, England - Fullback Marcus Smith and flyhalf Fin Smith have been recalled among seven changes to the England team to face Fiji on Saturday, with captain Maro Itoje having the rare experience of starting on the bench to manage a minor injury. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Watford Observer
The Rugby PaperEngland ring the changes as Marcus Smith and Fin Smith both start against Fiji
Captain Maro Itoje is named on the bench for the first time since 2017 as head coach Steve Borthwick makes seven changes to the starting line-up.
‘Not underestimating’ England lineup
England head coach Steve Borthwick has made seven changes to his starting lineup for Fiji compared to the one that defeated Australia last week. Notable shifts include Ellis Genge starting as co-captain, Marcus Smith moving to fullback, and Fin Smith starting at fly-half and captain Maro Itoje moving to the bench. FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne called the move strategic, emphasising the depth and quality in the England squad. “T…
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