Smith starts at full-back - England name team to play Fiji in RWC quarter-final

England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team to play Fiji in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup 2023 at Stade de Marseille. 

Owen Farrell will captain a starting XV with two changes to the side that defeated Samoa 18-17 in the final game of the pool stages in Lille last weekend.
 
In the front row, Ellis Genge – who is named as one of three vice-captains – starts at loosehead prop alongside Jamie George at hooker and Dan Cole at tighthead. Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum continue at lock with vice-captain Courtney Lawes on the blindside flank, Tom Curry on the openside and Ben Earl at No.8 to round off an unchanged pack.
 
In the halfback berths, Alex Mitchell partners Farrell as Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant combine in the centres.
 
In the back three, Elliot Daly returns to the starting XV on the left wing, Jonny May moves to the right and Marcus Smith is set to wear the 15 shirt.
 
Theo Dan, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, George Martin, Billy Vunipola, Danny Care, George Ford (vice-captain), and Ollie Lawrence are named as replacements.
 
“The knockout stages of any Rugby World Cup are always full of excitement and keen anticipation for our supporters both at home and here in France. This will be no different. The players cannot wait for this Sunday’s quarter-final against Fiji,” said Borthwick. 
 
“Everyone knows just what an unpredictably dangerous opposition Fiji can be. However, we have shown in the group stages how we can win games, and we will be calling on that experience and determination to ensure we carry on our journey.
 
“We are very much looking forward to returning to the special atmosphere of the Stade de Marseille, where we started our campaign back in September with a win against Argentina. I have said it before, but it is right that I say it again, our supporters contributed to a very special night on that occasion, and I have no doubt it will be another memorable evening this Sunday.”
 
ENGLAND v FIJI  
Sunday 15 October 2023
Stade de Marseille
Kick-off: 5pm (local time)
 
15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 28 caps)
14. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 76 caps)
13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 23 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 56 caps)
11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 62 caps)
10. Owen Farrell – captain (Saracens, 109 caps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 9 caps)
1. Ellis Genge – vice-captain (Bristol Bears, 55 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 82 caps)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 104 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 73 caps)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)
6. Courtney Lawes – vice-captain (Northampton Saints, 103 caps)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 47 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 22 caps)
 
Replacements:
16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 6 caps)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 86 caps)
18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 66 caps)
19. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)
20. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 73 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 93 caps)  
22. George Ford – vice-captain (Sale Sharks, 89 caps)
23. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 18 caps)