England tweak bench for RWC opener

England have made just one change to their match 23 for their opening World Cup game against Fiji at Twickenham on Friday.

In the only change to the side that beat Ireland 21-13 a fortnight ago, Rob Webber comes onto the bench in place of Jamie George.

Scrumhalf Ben Youngs will win his 50th Test cap in the first match of the tournament while brother Tom Youngs retains his spot in the front row.

In the back row, No 8 Ben Morgan is preferred over Billy Vunipola, who takes position among the substitutes.

'Friday will be a great occasion for the whole squad and for the country. We are in a unique position to be playing in a World Cup on home soil and to have the support of a nation behind the team. That support will be a massive factor and we don't underestimate its importance,' said coach Stuart Lancaster.

'I'd like to congratulate Ben Youngs on his achievement. To win 50 caps for your country in such a relatively short period of time is testament to Ben’s dedication and commitment,' he added.

England – 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Chris Robshaw (c), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Tom Youngs, 1 Joe Marler.
Subs: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Billy Vunipola, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Sam Burgess.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

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