Lawes to captain England on a hundredth cap vs Fiji as Borthwick makes 9 adjustments
Powerhouse Northampton ahead Lawes would be the front-runner to captain England of their first two World Cup matches, with squad skipper Owen Farrell suspended.
Now the 34-year-old will lead England out at Twickenham on Saturday, with Farrell lacking by way of that ban for a excessive deal with on Wales’ Taine Basham.
Lawes has proved his health after a rut of absences final season, and can be a vital cog in Steve Borthwick’s World Cup beginning XV, most probably at blindside flanker.
The versatile ahead’s lineout dominance in Saturday’s 29-10 defeat by Ireland in Dublin proved one of many few highlights of England’s five-try loss on the Aviva Stadium.
Lawes’ longevity may be underscored no extra clearly than a glance again to his Test debut, off the bench within the 18-9 Twickenham defeat by Australia. The Northampton academy product rubbed shoulders that day with 2003 World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson and Steve Thompson – and even present England boss Borthwick.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Courtney on achieving his incredible milestone after 14 years of excellent performances for his country,” stated England boss Borthwick. “It has been a privilege to watch his journey and witness him develop into a truly outstanding rugby player.
“Not only is Courtney an exceptional talent and an excellent professional, he is also a brilliant role model for young players every time he steps onto the field.”
England desperately must win and rating some fluent, attacking tries, to move off to France for the World Cup with renewed momentum and spirit.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has made 9 adjustments from the facet that leaked 5 tries to Ireland in Dublin final weekend.
Gloucester wing Jonny May – omitted from the World Cup 33-man squad – begins on the wing as England look to minimise accidents and disruption with Farrell and Billy Vunipola each suspended.
George Ford will get the nod at fly-half
/ Getty ImagesBoth Farrell and Vunipola will miss the World Cup opener in opposition to Argentina in Marseille on Saturday, September 9, and that is the final match alternative for England to experiment.
Ben Earl begins at No8 in Vunipola’s absence, whereas George Ford once more will get the nod at fly-half, with Marcus Smith on the bench. England have been Smith as a back-up possibility at full-back, the place the Harlequins playmaker may act as a second-receiver in part play.
Alex Mitchell begins at scrum-half, with the Northampton flanker having changed the injured Jack van Poortvliet within the World Cup squad.
Ollie Chessum makes his first begin after a dislocated ankle, having come off the bench in Dublin final weekend, whereas hooker Theo Dan will get the nod within the front-row.
England staff to face Fiji: F Steward; M Malins, O Lawrence, M Tuilagi, J May, G Ford; A Mitchell; E Genge, T Dan, D Cole; M Itoje, O Chessum; C Lawes (capt), J Willis, B Earl. Replacements: J Walker, J Marler, W Stuart, D Ribbans, L Ludlam, D Care, M Smith, J Marchant.