Courtney Lawes will captain an England team featuring minimal changes for Saturday’s Test match against the Springboks at Twickenham.
In the absence of regular skipper Owen Farrell, Lawes will lead England out for just the second time in his Test career.
England have named a fairly youthful starting front row, featuring hooker Jamie Blamire and loosehead prop Bevan Rodd, but Kyle Sinckler, who started the 2019 World Cup final, is at tighthead to provide some much-needed experience.
Maro Itoje and Jonny Hill continue their second-row partnership, while vice-captain Tom Curry and Sam Underhill complete the back row alongside Lawes.
There are a couple of changes to the backline as Manu Tuilagi shifts from the wing to inside centre and Joe Marchant returns to the starting lineup on the right wing.
Hooker Nic Dolly could make his England debut from the bench, while Joe Marler has also been named as a substitute despite only coming out of Covid isolation on Thursday.
England have opted for a six-two split between replacement forwards and backs, with Will Stuart, Charlie Ewels, Sam Simmonds, Alex Dombrandt, Raffi Quirke and Max Malins the remaining substitutes.
England – 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Joe Marchant, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Jonny May, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Tom Curry, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Courtney Lawes (c), 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie Blamire, 1 Bevan Rodd.
Subs: 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Sam Simmonds, 21 Alex Dombrandt, 22 Raffi Quirke, 23 Max Malins.
Photo: Getty Images
