England have named their line-up for Saturday’s final warm up game against Ireland at Twickenham. The side gives an insight into Lancaster’s final XV and features a notable return to the line-up for Brad Barritt. Lancaster has suggested that the XV to start against Ireland will be very close to the starting side that will take on Fiji first up in the World Cup, stating:
“I wouldn’t say it will be 100 per cent that the team which starts against Ireland will be the team that starts against Fiji but I’d say the majority of it would be that way”
.@bradbarritt returns to the starting line-up for Saturday’s #QBEInternational against Ireland http://t.co/VxZx9CsOso pic.twitter.com/QaSxAyWBFy
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) September 1, 2015
Barritt partners Jonathan Joseph in the midfield with Sam Burgess on the bench and no place in the squad for Exeter’s exciting centre Henry Slade. Anthony Watson and Jonny May, who both put in strong performances against France at Twickenham, looked to have held off the challenge of Jack Nowell and Youngs, Ford and Brown complete the England backline. It is a very safe selection and many fans will be disappointed to see the dynamic Slade miss out.
There is greater uncertainty within the pack and Geoff Parling’s selection alongside Courtney Lawes in the engine room reflects the England weakness at the line-out. The shocking performance against France has raised serious concerns and Parling’s is a superb jumper and will call the line-out on Saturday.
Ben Morgan will start at Number 8 however this is likely to be in order to provide him with some game time. Morgan has been out since he
broke his leg against Saracens in January and Billy Vunipola is likely to start against Fiji whilst Morgan seeks greater fitness. The front row of Marler, Youngs and Cole is the strongest England has to offer with the exclusion of Corbisiero and the suspension of Dylan Hartely. Jamie George looks to have jumped ahead of Rob Webber as second choice hooker and is given a spot on the bench.
England’s final warm-up game kicks off at 2.30pm this Saturday and will be live on Sky Sports 1.
