Chiefs duo on bench for England

By Mark Stevens
20/9/19

Exeter Chiefs duo Luke Cowan-Dickie and Henry Slade have both been named on the bench for England ahead of their opening games of the Rugby World Cup against Tonga in Sapporo, Japan (KO 1945 local time, 1145 UK time live on ITV Sport).

Hooker Cowan-Dickie has featured prominently for Eddie Jones’ side in the build-up to the tournament, but this will be Slade’s first involvement with the national side since the Six Nations Championship.

The talented playmaker injured his knee in the build-up to the warm-up clashes and has not figured since. Now fighting fit, though, Jones has wasted little time in bringing back Slade.

Elsewhere, Owen Farrell will captain the side at inside centre with George Ford starting at 10. Manu Tuilagi is named at outside centre with Elliot Daly, Jonny May and Anthony Watson making up the back three.

England’s most capped scrum-half Ben Youngs will start in his 90th match for his country.

Jones has selected Joe Marler, Jamie George and Kyle Sinckler in the front row with Courtney Lawes and Maro Itoje chosen as the lock pairing. Tom Curry will start at blindside flanker with Sam Underhill at open while Billy Vunipola is named at No.8.

Jones said: “The focus this week has been about getting right for Tonga. We have had a good seven days in Japan where we have acclimatised really well, our sleep patterns are good and the physical conditioning of the players is outstanding. We have been able to add a bit more on our team togetherness and cohesion too.

“Now it is about putting in a game plan against Tonga and it is important to be tactically right. We know they are going to be ferocious and full of pride and passion. They are a side if they get a bit of momentum they can be very dangerous and are well-coached by Toutai Kefu. They have a great World Cup record and we will need to be at our best on Sunday.

“I don’t think there is anyone who isn’t excited about getting out there on Sunday and there is a good feeling around the place. We are delighted to be up here in Sapporo and to play at the stadium will be a unique experience for us and something the team is looking forward to.”

England squad to face Tonga

15 Elliot Daly (Saracens, 33 caps)
14 Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 36 caps)
13 Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers, 35 caps)
12 Owen Farrell (Saracens, 73 caps, capt)
11 Jonny May (Leicester Tigers, 47 caps)
10 George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 59 caps)
9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 89 caps)
1 Joe Marler (Harlequins, 62 caps)
2 Jamie George (Saracens, 40 caps)
3 Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, 25 caps)
4 Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 75 caps)
5 Maro Itoje (Saracens, 29 caps)
6 Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 13 caps)
7 Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)
8 Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 45 caps)

16 Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 15 caps)
17 Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 12 caps )
18 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 89 caps)
19 George Kruis (Saracens, 35 caps)
20 Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
21 Willi Heinz (Gloucester Rugby, 4 caps)
22 Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 22 caps)
23 Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 42 caps)