ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Thursday Oct 19, 2023

Marcus Smith out as changed England line up announced

England and South Africa go head to head, toe to toe, fist to fist, once again this coming Saturday. This is promising to be another titanic battle between the two sides, with the stakes as high as high as they were four years ago in Yokohama.

ADVERTISEMENT

The two powerhouses have played each other just twice since the 2019 World Cup with one win apiece. England took the first victory in Twickenham at the back end of 2021, two whole years after their loss in Japan. It was thanks to the gutsy effort from the men in white that victory was achieved, even when the odds were against them when the side went down to 14 men.

Almost exactly a year later, it was the Springbok’s turn to take victory at the home of English rugby. The visitors were powerful, effective, and motivated, a combination proving far too much for an out-of-form England side.

The past eight matches, ranging from 2016 to the present, have seen a regular shift of success between the two sides. Both sides have achieved four victories each, with the deadline set to be broken on Saturday.

Despite England’s dangerously close victory over Fiji last weekend, it was without a doubt their finest performance in recent times. That’s probably why England head coach Steve Borthwick has elected to lead with an almost unchanged side from last week.

The biggest change is the very noticeable absence of Marcus Smith. The fly half come fullback has been deemed unfit for competition due to a concussion following last weekends match against Fiji – a diagnosis that may have ended his own World Cup campaign.

There has also been major changes in the pack, with both Joe Marler and George Martin taking their places in the starting team. The move appears to be a direct response to South Africa’s ‘bomb squad’ routine they employ to gain an advantage at the start of the second half.

ADVERTISEMENT

Both Ellis Genge and Ollie Chessum who have both had impressive World Cup campaigns thus far will be expected to provide that extra muscle to combat the Springbok threat.

See the team here:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by England Rugby (@englandrugby)

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments




Related Articles

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Kevin Sinfield makes statement on referee...

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    John Smit claims everything is 'on the line'...

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Transfer News: George North to take considerable talents to France

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Tom Foley takes break from officiating international matches following death threats

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    James Haskell shares thoughts on 'best mate' Owen Farrell

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

View All