Tom Curry will start England’s World Cup third-place play-off despite receiving online threats over the racism allegation against South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi.
Sale flanker Curry accused Springboks hooker Mbonambi of a racial slur in England’s 16-15 defeat by South Africa in Saturday’s semi-final in Paris.
Curry asked referee Ben O’Keeffe, “Sir, what do I do if their hooker calls me a white c***?”, and the referee replied, “Nothing please, I’ll be on it.”
World Rugby are investigating the allegation, and Mbonambi remains under a cloud ahead of Saturday’s final against New Zealand in Paris.
Sale have condemned threats aimed at Curry and his family online, but England have still backed the powerful flanker to start against Argentina on Friday.
“Sale Sharks’ owners, players, coaches and staff are absolutely appalled by the nature and level of disgusting abuse directed at Tom Curry and his family in relation to an incident in the semi-final,” read a Sale statement.
“Everyone at the club stands fully and proudly behind Tom and we look forward to welcoming him back to Carrington.”
England have made eight changes to their starting line-up from Saturday’s Springboks defeat, but Owen Farrell continues as captain and at fly-half.
Marcus Smith returns to start at full-back, with Freddie Steward switching to the wing.
Henry Arundell starts on the other wing, with Ben Youngs starting at scrum-half. Theo Dan and Will Stuart both start in the front row, with Sam Underhill linking up with Curry and Ben Earl in the back row.
Saracens star Earl has vowed that England will set the tone for a new era against the Pumas.
Earl has urged the nucleus of players that will take England beyond the World Cup to deliver a statement performance on the Red Rose future. He said: “You disrespect anyone who has worn an England shirt if you don’t give your best on Friday.
“There’s a few of us now that have a bit of individual responsibility, a small group of us that have now got to think what’s next for this England team. It’s up to us now to take that mantle on and see where we can take the team.”
England team: M Smith; F Steward, J Marchant, M Tuilagi, H Arundell; O Farrell (capt), B Youngs; E Genge,T Dan, W Stuart; M Itoje, O Chessum; T Curry, S Underhill, B Earl.
Replacements: J George, B Rodd, D Cole, D Ribbans, L Ludlam, D Care, G Ford, O Lawrence.
