England start rookie on wing

Bath winger Anthony Watson will make his first start for England against the Springboks at Twickenham on Saturday.

The 20-year-old, a graduate of the 2013 Junior World Championship-winning side, has been handed his chance on the right wing in place of the injured Semesa Rokoduguni, after impressing during a short cameo against the All Blacks this past weekend.

Watson's promotion to the starting XV has seen Harlequins winger Marland Yarde promoted to the bench.

'Anthony has been pushing hard for a while and has been in impressive form for Bath and in training with us,' said coach Stuart Lancaster. 'It was great that he got on against New Zealand and we feel he is ready to start. Equally, it's good to have Marland back in the match-day 23.'

Elsewhere in the starting XV, hooker Dylan Hartley and lock Courtney Lawes have successfully recovered from the head knocks suffered during the 24-21 defeat to the All Blacks and will take their place among the forwards.

The halfback combination of Danny Care and Owen Farrell has been retained despite a mixed showing last weekend, with Care winning his 50th cap for the English.

England have not tasted victory against South Africa since 2006, a run spanning 11 matches with a 14-14 draw in 2012 the closest they have come to beating the Boks.

'I know the players are looking forward to the challenge,' Lancaster added. 'South Africa have quality and experience across the park and it will be a big test for us.'

England – 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Brad Barritt, 12 Kyle Eastmond, 11 Jonny May, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Danny Care, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Chris Robshaw (c), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Dave Attwood, 3 David Wilson, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Joe Marler.
Subs: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Matt Mullan, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 George Kruis, 20 Ben Morgan, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 George Ford, 23 Marland Yarde.

Test teams (14-16 November)

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images