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JONES GIVES 'EM ELL

England vs South Africa: Eddie Jones hands Elliot Daly his debut as Tom Wood returns

Wasps centre has overtaken Jonathan Joseph in the pecking order and while veteran flanker comes in for his first cap in more than a year

ELLIOT DALY has been handed his first England start as Eddie Jones also recalls Tom Wood to face South Africa.

Wasps centre Daly has overtaken Jonathan Joseph in the pecking order and flanker Wood comes in for his first cap in more than a year in the back-row.

Elliot Daly will earn his first cap after showing exciting form for Wasps
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Elliot Daly will earn his first cap after showing exciting form for WaspsCredit: Getty Images

Jones has paired Courtney Lawes, making his 50th cap, alongside Joe Launchbury in the second-row with George Ford at fly-half and Owen Farrell inside centre.


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Jonny May comes in on the left wing after almost a year out through injury.

Uncapped prop Kyle Sinckler, Fiji-born Nathan Hughes and centre Ben Te’o all make the bench with Joe Marler and Dave Attwood also back in the 23.

Jones said: "We’ve picked a matchday 23 with a blend of experience and youth.

“We’ve trained well this week and I am pleased with how the players have come together and responded to some of the things we’ve asked them to do. The boys are focused and ready to go.

“We’re looking forward to the game. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show how much depth we have in English rugby.

Tom Wood will earn his first cap for over a year
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Tom Wood will earn his first cap for over a yearCredit: PA:Press Association
George Ford will play at No1o with Owen Farrell at inside centre
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George Ford will play at No1o with Owen Farrell at inside centreCredit: PA:Press Association

"With a few influential players not available for selection this is a great opportunity for some of the new faces to put both feet forward and we’re backing them to do the job for us.

“Test matches are always about the contest up front and South Africa pride themselves in the set piece but we’ll be ready for the challenge.

“We can’t wait to get back to Twickenham and make this a game to remember. It’s a very special stadium and we hope the crowd really gets behind us on Saturday.

"We want to make Twickenham an intimidating place for opposition teams to play rugby and the fans can contribute to that. We congratulate Courtney Lawes on his 50-cap milestone – an excellent achievement.

"I’m also pleased to see a number of returning players get their chance on Saturday, most notably Jonny May after his long injury rehabilitation and Joe Marler whose attitude and application to training these last two weeks has been first-class.”

Eddie Jones is looking to continue his unbeaten run as Red Rose chief
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Eddie Jones is looking to continue his unbeaten run as Red Rose chiefCredit: Getty Images

England v South Africa

15. Mike Brown (vice captain, Harlequins, 52 caps)

14. Marland Yarde (Harlequins, 9 caps)

13. Elliot Daly (Wasps, 5 caps)

12. Owen Farrell (vice captain, Saracens, 43 caps)

11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 19 caps)

10. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 26 caps)

9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 61 caps)

1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 35 caps)

2. Dylan Hartley (captain, Northampton Saints, 75 caps)

3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 65 caps)

4. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 35 caps)

5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 49 caps)

6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 51 caps)

7. Tom Wood (Northampton Saints, 42 caps)

8. Billy Vunipola (vice captain, Saracens, 29 caps)

Replacements

Jamie George (Saracens, 8 caps)

Joe Marler (Harlequins, 42 caps)

Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, uncapped)

Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby, 23 caps)

Nathan Hughes (Wasps, uncapped)

Danny Care (Harlequins, 62 caps)

Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors, uncapped)

Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 25 caps)

 

 

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