Courtney Lodge will lead England in Saturday’s first Test against Australia after retaining the captaincy despite the return of Owen Farrell to the centre.
For the first time since 2018, Farrell has been overlooked as captain, with Eddie Jones opting for the lodge, when the Northampton flanker impressed in the role while declining and deputizing to the Six Nations.
The Saracens’ playmaker has made a full recovery from ankle injuries that affected his season and plays in midfield between midfielder Marcus Smith and out center Joe Merchant.
Joe Kokanasiga provides power on the left wing in his first Test in over a year after overcoming several setbacks, including injuries and Covid.
Danny Care completes his impressive international comeback starting at the scrum-half with Harry Randall unable to secure a seat on the bench, where the capless Jack van Portvalliet provides cover.
London Irishman’s teen sensation Henry Arundel could make his debut at Optus Stadium as a substitute as his rise in his first season as a professional continues.
Joining Van Portvalliet among the substitutes is his Leicester teammate Leicester, who is the third non-capped player out of 23.
Charlie Ewells became the first player to be ruled out of the tour after suffering a knee injury in Wednesday’s practice, being replaced by Bristol’s Sam Jeffries.
Courtney Lodge will lead England in Saturday’s first Test against Australia after retaining the captaincy despite the return of Owen Farrell to the centre.
For the first time since 2018, Farrell has been overlooked as captain, with Eddie Jones opting for the lodge, when the Northampton flanker impressed in the role while declining and deputizing to the Six Nations.
The Saracens’ playmaker has made a full recovery from ankle injuries that affected his season and plays in midfield between midfielder Marcus Smith and out center Joe Merchant.
Joe Kokanasiga provides power on the left wing in his first Test in over a year after overcoming several setbacks, including injuries and Covid.
Danny Care completes his impressive international comeback starting at the scrum-half with Harry Randall unable to secure a seat on the bench, where the capless Jack van Portvalliet provides cover.
London Irishman’s teen sensation Henry Arundel could make his debut at Optus Stadium as a substitute as his rise in his first season as a professional continues.
Joining Van Portvalliet among the substitutes is his Leicester teammate Leicester, who is the third non-capped player out of 23.
Charlie Ewells became the first player to be ruled out of the tour after suffering a knee injury in Wednesday’s practice, being replaced by Bristol’s Sam Jeffries.
