07 September 2023 , 14:00
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Tom Curry, one of the stars of the last Rugby World Cup, has recovered from a serious ankle injury and will start England’s campaign on Saturday.
The Sale flanker, who with Sam Underhill formed the so-called ‘kamikaze kids’ duo that powered Eddie Jones’ side to the final in Japan, has not played a minute in the Steve Borthwick era.
But he was passed fit today and lines up in a much-changed side to take on Argentina at Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
Also recalled are scrum-half Alex Mitchell and right wing Jonny May, two players who did not even make the initial squad but have benefitted from others’ misfortune.
Dan Cole, whose Test career appear doomed after England’s scrum was crushed by South Africa in the 2019 final, completes the quartet of surprise starters.
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“With an excellent week of preparation in Le Touquet, the players are now looking forward to starting their Rugby World Cup campaign under the lights in Marseille on Saturday,” said Borthwick.
“After a number of impressive performances in the last 12 months by Argentina, we know that the first game in our pool will provide a stern test.
“This great tournament provides an excitingly special opportunity for our players, who I know, as ever, will be giving their all in front of our travelling support in the south of France.”
ENGLAND
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 26 caps)
14. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 73 caps)
13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 19 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 53 caps)
11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 59 caps)
10. George Ford – vice-captain (Sale Sharks, 85 caps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
Borthwick changes half of England team for Six Nations opener against Scotland
1. Ellis Genge – vice-captain (Bristol Bears, 52 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 79 caps)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 102 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 70 caps)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 11 caps)
6. Courtney Lawes – captain (Northampton Saints, 100caps)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 45 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 18 caps)
Replacements:
16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 3 caps)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 82 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 29 caps)
19. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps)
20. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 21 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 90 caps)
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 24 caps)
23. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 14 caps)