England head coach Steve Borthwick has named a much-changed side for Saturday's Nations Championship clash with Japan, handing opportunities to Henry Pollock, Max Ojomoh and Will Joseph. The trio come into the starting XV as England look to build on last weekend's victory.
Pollock's second start
Henry Pollock will make only his second start for England, having been named at number eight. The 21-year-old has been a revelation off the bench, scoring eight tries in 14 Tests, including a brace as a makeshift wing against Australia on Sunday. His only previous start came in February's 42-21 defeat by Ireland, a match in which England were outmuscled at the breakdown. Pollock will be eager to prove he can deliver from the off, especially with the back-row reinforced by Alex Coles moving to blind-side flanker in place of the injured Ollie Chessum.
Ojomoh's remarkable return
Max Ojomoh's inclusion at inside centre marks a stunning return to favour. The 26-year-old has not featured for England since starring in the win over Argentina a year ago and was not initially part of the 36-man squad for this month's matches. However, a stellar performance for England A in their win over an Argentina XV last Friday earned him promotion ahead of Fraser Dingwall, with first-choice Seb Atkinson ruled out with a hip injury. Ojomoh's contract at Bath is up for renewal at the end of the season, and he has been linked with a move to the Top 14, but his silky playmaking skills and running threat could be key if England dominate possession.
Joseph's chance
Will Joseph, whose only previous England cap came under now-Japan coach Eddie Jones in 2022, is given his chance on the wing in the absence of the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. The 21-year-old has been one of the stars of Gloucester's resurgence this season, alternating between wing and midfield. His older brother Jonathan won 54 caps for England, and Will will be hoping to make his own mark on the international stage.
Fly-half shuffle
George Ford is named at fly-half, with Fin Smith, who recovered from a calf injury to play 80 minutes against the Wallabies, rotated out of the matchday squad. The in-form Marcus Smith is on the bench. Cadan Murley comes into the back three with Tommy Freeman left out, while there is an all-new front row of Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Asher Opoku-Fordjour.
Northampton scrum-half Archie McParland is poised to make his debut off the bench, with Greg Fisilau, Arthur Clark and Emmanuel Iyogun, who all have one cap, alongside him in an inexperienced set of replacements.
Enforced absences have prevented England from building on last weekend's win with a similar selection, but others now have the chance to make their case a year out from the Rugby World Cup in Australia. While Pollock has made regular try-scoring cameos, his challenge will be to prove his effectiveness in close quarters, as well as in open spaces. Ojomoh knows that Borthwick will be focused on small details, as much as showreel highlights, and his defence and work off the ball will be under scrutiny.
England will be expected to secure the majority of possession, and if they do, Ojomoh's ability to pick passes in the face of a defence could spring his backline. Joseph, meanwhile, will be looking to take his chance on the wing and show he belongs at this level.
The match kicks off on Saturday and is live on BBC Radio 5 Live, the BBC Sport website and app.
