ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

England announce starting XV for Japan test

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Tuesday Jun 18, 2024

Steve Borthwick has confirmed his team to play Japan at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday as the squad looks to build upon a Six Nations that filled fans with much promise.

ADVERTISEMENT

A statement released by the Rugby Football Union, reads:

‘Jamie George will captain England for the first ever official Test match between the two nations to be played in Japan. The England skipper will be supported by four vice-captains: Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, Henry Slade and Joe Marler.

In the front row, George is named at hooker alongside Bevan Rodd at loosehead prop and Dan Cole at tighthead. At lock, Itoje partners George Martin. The back row sees Chandler Cunningham-South on the blindside flank making his first Test start for England, with Sam Underhill at openside and Earl at No.8.

In the half-back berths, scrum-half Alex Mitchell is paired with Marcus Smith at 10. The midfield sees Ollie Lawrence named at inside centre with Slade at 13.

In the back three, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso starts on the right wing, with Tommy Freeman on the left and George Furbank selected at full-back to round off the starting line-up.

Amongst the replacements, Tom Roebuck will win his first England cap when he joins the action. The Sale Sharks wing takes his place on the substitutes bench alongside Theo Dan, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, Charlie Ewels, Tom Curry, Harry Randall and Fin Smith.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We’re looking forward to the challenge of playing Japan at their National Stadium,” said Borthwick.

“Conditions in Tokyo mean we’ll need to be accurate, keep our discipline, and maintain a level of intensity in our performance from the first whistle to the last.

“We will need to be at our very best against an opponent who will want to play fast.”’

JAPAN v ENGLAND 
Saturday 22nd June 2024
National Stadium, Tokyo
Kick-off: 6.50am (BST)

ADVERTISEMENT

15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 9 caps)
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 62 caps) – vice-captain
12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 24 caps)
11. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 8 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 32 caps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 15 caps)
1. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 5 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 90 caps) – captain
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 112 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 81 caps) – vice-captain
5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 12 caps)
6. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 4 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 35 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 30 caps) – vice-captain

Replacements:
16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 12 caps)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 93 caps) – vice-captain
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 38 caps)
19. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 30 caps)
20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 50 caps)
21. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 6 caps)
22. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
23. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, uncapped)

England’s Summer Series:
Japan v England, Saturday 22 June, National Stadium, kick-off 6.50am BST (RugbyPass TV)
New Zealand v England, Saturday 6 July, Forsyth Barr Stadium, kick-off 8.05am BST (Sky Sports)
New Zealand v England, Saturday 13 July, Eden Park, kick-off 8.05am BST (Sky Sports)
-ENDS-

Related Articles

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Beauden Barrett returns to play for club side after 14 years

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Rugby's ultimate XI that could play at the 2024 Euros

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Three takeaways from the URC semi-finals as Glasgow and Bulls win



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 8 HOURS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All