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Rugby World Cup | Group Stage
Sep 23, 2023 at 4.45pm UK
 
England
71-0
Chile
Arundell (20', 30', 48', 60', 69'), Dan (24', 46'), Rodd (35'), Smith (40', 77'), Willis (80')
FT

Team News: England captain Owen Farrell returns to XV for Chile clash

Team News: England captain Owen Farrell returns to XV for Chile clash
© Reuters
England captain Owen Farrell is brought back into the starting XV as part of 12 changes for his side's third World Cup Pool D clash against Chile on Saturday.

England captain Owen Farrell has been brought back into the starting XV for his side's third World Cup Pool D clash against Chile on Saturday.

The Saracens fly-half was forced to sit out his nation's opening triumphs over Argentina and Japan through suspension, with George Ford starring in a kicking masterclass against the former.

However, Ford has now been demoted to the replacements bench at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, as Steve Borthwick makes a total of 12 changes to the side that saw off Japan in unconvincing fashion.

Elliot Daly, Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam - who scored England's first try of the Rugby World Cup last weekend - are the only three players to hold their spots, with the former shifting from left wing to 13.

Sinckler will continue in the front row as a tight end prop, while Ludlam has moved from number eight to blindside flanker to accommodate the returning Billy Vunipola.

Owing to his impressive displays as a substitute, Marcus Smith will start at full-back for the Pool D leaders, and there is no space in the squad whatsoever for Freddie Steward.

England head coach Steve Borthwick before the match on September 9, 2023© Reuters

Henry Arundell and Max Malins link arms with Smith on the right and left-hand sides of the back three respectively, while Premiership Player of the Year Ollie Lawrence will join Daly in the midfield contingent.

Bevan Rodd and Theo Dan have been brought into the XV too, while David Ribbans, George Martin, Danny Care and Jack Willis complete Borthwick's plethora of changes.

"One of the many great things about the Rugby World Cup is that the tournament provides an excellent opportunity to play against teams that we rarely have a chance to see," Borthwick told englandrugby.com.

"It is for that reason that we are particularly looking forward to testing ourselves against Chile on Saturday. Having watched our next opponent closely, we know that we will have to prepare and play well against a committed Chile team.

"As we head to the next round, it is only right that I once again pay tribute to our excellent supporters who I know will be right behind us in Lille this weekend."

England hold a four-point lead over Samoa and Japan at the summit of the Pool D rankings, while Chile have lost their opening two encounters to the latter two nations, conceding 11 tries along the way.

England: Smith; Arundell, Daly, Lawrence, Malins; Farrell, Care; Rodd, Dan, Sinckler, Ribbans, Martin, Ludlam, Willis, Vunipola

Replacements: Walker, Marler, Stuart, Chessum, Earl, Youngs, Ford, Marchant

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Written by
Ben Knapton
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