George Ford has been recalled to England’s starting line up for the Rugby World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on Saturday.
Fords return to the squad means Farrell will play inside centre again for England’s biggest game in 12 years. Ford was dropped for England’s thrashing of Australia last weekend, but for this fixture Jones has gone for the same 10-12 setup which saw his team through their qualifying group.
Henry Slade makes way in the back row for Ford with Manu Tuilagi moving to outside centre in his place. Johnny May also starts after his injury scare at the weekend and will hope to continue his blistering form which has helped guide England this far into the competition so far. Watson who also looked lively last game returns against the all blacks.
Jones said: “It’s the two heavyweights of world rugby – one dressed in black, the crowd favourite, the nation’s favourite, the other in white, probably the most disliked team in the world. We just feel that Ford and Farrell is the best combination for the start of the game. New Zealand play a certain way, and George’s work-rate off the ball is going to be super-important for us.”
In the forwards young flankers, Tom Curry and Sam Underhill make a return. Jones will be hoping they play like they did in the last game where both were pivotal in defence and at the breakdown. A 50th cap will be awarded to Billy Vunipola who will hope to mark the occasion with a win. There are no changes in the front or second row for England.
New Zealand Coach Steve Hansen makes one surprise change to their starting squad opting for picking Scott Barrett over Sam Cane. It will be the first time Barrett has played at Flanker for the All Blacks and Hansen will be hoping the change pays off for his team.
They seem to be playing with the same familiar system that has helped then in recent times and with the success they’ve had why not. England will certainly be wary of the two wingers who have gone from zero to hero during the tournament in Savu Reece and George Bridge. They will also have to fend of former world player of the year Beauden Barrett.
Hansen has downplayed Jones’ suggestion that pressure will be “chasing the All Blacks down the street” saying the pressure is really on England after failure to get out of the pool stages when they hosted the World Cup four years ago.
With two team’s right at the top of their game and mind games galore this match is really shaping up to be a must watch and, with the winner progressing to play for the biggest trophy in rugby what more could you expect?
