England side to face Samoa in Lille

October 05, 2023
1079
Ultimate Rugby

Wholesale changes have been made to the side that beat Chile 71-0, with Owen Farrell the only player from that fixture returning to the starting XV. The captain moves to the inside centre position, while Tom Curry returns to the starting lineup at openside flanker.

Farrell needs just two points to become England’s all-time leading points scorer. Jonny Wilkinson currently holds the record with a tally of 1,179 points.

Ellis Genge, Jamie George and Dan Cole make up the front row while Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum come into the second row. Courtney Lawes (blindside flanker) and Ben Earl (No.8) make up the back row alongside Curry.

Alex Mitchell is the starting scrum half, with George Ford outside him at fly half. Manu Tuilagi fills the outside centre role, while a back three of Jonny May (left wing), Joe Marchant (right wing) and Freddie Steward (full back) complete the starting XV.

Theo Dan, Joe Marler and Kyle Sinckler are the front row replacements. George Martin, Billy Vunipola, Danny Care, Marcus Smith and Ollie Lawrence are also named on the bench.