George Ford will take the reins as England’s starting flyhalf in the World Cup warm-up against Ireland on Saturday, with Owen Farrell facing a World Rugby appeal over his dismissed red card.
World Rugby confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the governing body will be exercising its right to appeal the Farrell decision.
FARRELL FIASCO: World Rugby appeal verdict
England boss Borthwick had intended to select Farrell to face a top-ranked Ireland side coached by the player’s father, Andy Farrell. However, Borthwick opted to leave the flyhalf out of the matchday-23 to take on Ireland in Dublin, with loose forward Courtney Lawes taking over the captaincy.
“In my original planning for the Summer Nations Series and as part of our Rugby World Cup preparation, Owen Farrell was due to be selected to play in this Saturday’s Test match in Dublin,” said Borthwick.
“However, in light of the fact that so much of Owen’s training and match preparation time this week has been significantly affected and interrupted by the disciplinary process, I have not selected him in the matchday 23.
“Owen will travel to Ireland with our full support.”
There are a total of six changes to the starting line up that beat Wales 19-17 last weekend.
Manu Tuilagi returns to the midfield, while Ford wears the No 10 jersey in a halfback combination with scrumhalf Ben Youngs. It will be the 61st time the pair have started a Test match together.
In the front row, loosehead prop Genge is one of two changes to the forward pack, having won his 50th cap from the bench last Saturday. The other change sees South African-born lock David Ribbans back in the side having successfully completed his return to play protocol, partnering Maro Itoje in the second row.
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