England XV Squad Announcement
Max Ojomoh and Noah Caluori have been selected in the England backline to start against a France XV in a non-cap match scheduled for Friday in Vannes. This fixture provides an opportunity for both players to demonstrate their capabilities for potential future Test appearances.
Ojomoh, a centre, previously scored a try and was recognised as player of the match during a victory against Argentina in November. Caluori, who is 19 years old, had a notable season with Saracens, leading the Prem‘s regular-season try-scoring charts and excelling in aerial contests.
Ojomoh will partner with Gloucester‘s Seb Atkinson in midfield. Bristol‘s Benhard Janse van Rensburg, who is set to become eligible for Test-level representation with England next month, has been named among the replacements. The Rugby Football Union successfully challenged Janse van Rensburg’s previous tie to South Africa due to an appearance for their under-20 side in 2016. He is anticipated to feature for England in July against Fiji and Argentina.
The England XV starting lineup includes M Smith at full-back, with Caluori and Murley on the wings. The half-back pairing will be George Ford, who captains the team, and Harry Randall. The forward pack features Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Dan, Kloska, Ewels, George Martin, Ted Hill, Tom Curry, and Alex Dombrandt.
Replacements for the match include Blamire, Obano, Sela, Isiekwe, Kenningham, Quirke, Janse van Rensburg, and Radwan.
Ellis Genge, England’s primary loose-head, is currently recovering from a calf issue. Opoku-Fordjour, typically a tight-head option, has adapted to cover the loose-head position in the scrum. George Martin, who has made a strong return for Leicester following a 14-month injury absence, will start in the second row. Ted Hill from Bath will provide an additional line-out option at blind-side flanker.
Tom Curry, who has made limited appearances since an injury in March, will play at openside flanker, while Harlequins‘ Alex Dombrandt will be at number eight. Ford will lead the team as fly-half. However, Leicester’s Ollie Chessum and Joe Heyes, key players in their team’s run to the Prem semi-finals, are being rested, as are Saracens’ Ben Earl and Jamie George.
Players from Northampton and Exeter were not considered for selection due to their participation in the Prem final on Saturday.
Maro Itoje’s Potential Rest Period
Head coach Steve Borthwick indicated that England captain Maro Itoje may be rested for the summer Test matches, unless injuries occur in the second row over the weekend. Itoje is potentially being stood down for the upcoming Tests against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina. This consideration follows a demanding year for Itoje, which included captaining the British & Irish Lions to a series victory against Australia, participating in autumn and Six Nations campaigns, and dealing with a personal loss.
Borthwick acknowledged that resting Itoje would be beneficial, especially given his extensive Test minutes over the past decade. However, the decision is contingent on George Martin and Alex Coles emerging without injury from their respective matches. Martin is starting in the non-cap international against France XV, while Coles will play for Northampton in the Gallagher Prem final.
Should either Martin or Coles sustain an injury, Borthwick stated he might need to reconsider his plans, as this would leave Itoje and Ollie Chessum as the primary front-line locks for the Nations Championship opener against South Africa on 4 July. Borthwick emphasised that while resting Itoje is the preferred scenario, the team’s needs and player availability are crucial factors.
Itoje has been in discussions with the team management regarding his summer plans and is reportedly in agreement with the proposed rest period. His absence from the training squad and limited involvement in a recent alignment camp suggest an intention for him to have a different type of summer, away from England team commitments.
Borthwick also mentioned that decisions regarding players like Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Alex Mitchell for the Prem final are under his purview. Feyi-Waboso, an Exeter wing, could return from a facial injury, and Northampton scrum-half Alex Mitchell is nearing a return from a pulled hamstring. Both players would be strong contenders for the matchday 23 against South Africa, and Borthwick hinted at their involvement in the Prem final if possible, valuing players participating in significant matches.
The England squad for next month’s Tests against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina is expected to be announced on Monday. The match against the France XV, which kicks off at 17:15 BST, is England’s only warm-up fixture before their Nations Championship opener against South Africa in Johannesburg on 4 July.
Upcoming Fixtures and Player Eligibility
The non-cap international against a France XV in Vannes serves as a crucial preparatory match for England’s upcoming schedule. This fixture allows players like Benhard Janse van Rensburg to make their debut for England without it counting as a full Test cap. Janse van Rensburg, who is South Africa-born, will qualify for England on residency grounds from 8 July, making him eligible for the subsequent Test matches.
The Stade de la Rabine showdown is the curtain-raiser for England’s extensive tour, which will cover three continents. Following this match, England will begin their Nations Championship campaign, starting with a fixture in Johannesburg on 4 July.
Head coach Steve Borthwick expressed his anticipation for the challenge, stating, “We’re looking forward to an exciting challenge against a strong French team in what will be a demanding fixture.” He added that he is eager to see the group perform and demonstrate their capabilities.
The France XV is expected to field a strong team, despite the absence of players from Top 14 semi-finalists such as Toulouse, Montpellier, Racing 92, and Stade Francais. Notable players like Yoram Moefana and Mickael Guillard, who were key in France’s Six Nations title-winning campaign, are among the potential starters for the French side.
This match is the sole warm-up for England before their Nations Championship opener against South Africa in Johannesburg on 4 July.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
