Eddie Jones has changed a third of his England team to face Japan following last week’s shock loss to Argentina.
Leicester centre Guy Porter replaces Manu Tuilagi, who is rested “to manage his workload”. Porter has made only two Premiership appearances all season. Fit-again Jonny May comes in at the expense of Joe Cokanasiga on the left wing with Jack van Poortvliet taking over at scrum-half from Ben Youngs.
Up front Sam Simmonds replaces Billy Vunipola at No8 with Northampton lock David Ribbans given his debut. Maro Itoje moves to blindside in place of Alex Coles.
Jack Willis, who is still without a club following Wasps’ demise, joins Cokanasiga in being relegated out of the matchday squad. Jamie George returns on the bench just five weeks into recovery from what his club Saracens described as a ’10-week’ injury.
Jones said: “We’ve worked hard this week to improve on last week’s performance. We’ve taken a good look at our preparation and we are happy with our position going into the game.
“Japan are a very good and intriguing side. They play a unique type of rugby based on continuity and team cohesion and we’ll have to be at our best against them at Twickenham on Saturday.”'
ENGLAND XV
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps)
14. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 43 caps)
13. Guy Porter (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 98 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 69 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 14 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 4 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 40 caps)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 38 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 53 caps)
4. David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
5. Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks, 16 caps)
6. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 59 caps)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 42 caps)
8. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 15 caps)
FINISHERS
16. Jamie George (Saracens, 69 caps)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 71 caps)
18. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 6 caps)
19. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
20. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 65 caps)
21. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 118 caps)
22. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 49 caps)
23. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 47 caps)
