England have overhauled their front row for Saturday’s climax to the Autumn Nations Series against South Africa at Twickenham.
Prop Mako Vunipola and hooker Jamie George have replaced Ellis Genge and Luke Cowan-Dickie in anticipation of the Springboks’ forward-led assault.
Vunipola and George made significant contributions from the bench in the 25-25 draw with New Zealand and are present among four changes to the starting XV.
Wing Tommy Freeman makes his first appearance since the July tour to Australia at the expense of Jack Nowell and Alex Coles comes in for Sam Simmonds at blindside flanker.
Eddie Jones has retained the half-back partnership of Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith with Owen Farrell continuing at inside centre.
Manu Tuilagi wins his 50th cap having made his debut against Wales in 2011.
“This is our last game of the autumn and our chance to continue building on the improvements we have made throughout the matches,” Jones said.
“We have made steady progress from game to game, culminating in a pulsating draw against New Zealand.
“Now we have the chance to test ourselves against the might of the world champions.
“We’re going out there to light the crowd up. The support at Twickenham was outstanding last week and we want to work hard on the pitch to make sure we have another atmosphere like that again on Saturday.”
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 24, 2022
England team to play Springboks
Forwards: 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Jamie George, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 Jonny Hill, 6 Alex Coles, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Billy Vunipola
Backs: 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 10 Marcus Smith, 11 Jonny May, 12 Owen Farrell (Captain), 13 Manu Tuilagi, 14 Tommy Freeman, 15 Freddie Steward
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 David Ribbans, 20 Sam Simmonds, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 Henry Slade, 23 Jack Nowell