England v South Africa
Lancaster: Watson is ready for Boks
ESPN Staff
November 13, 2014
England's Anthony Watson and George Ford share a joke in training © Getty Images
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Stuart Lancaster has backed England wing Anthony Watson to shine on his first start against South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday and has no qualms about throwing him into such a big fixture. Watson came on as a late replacement to make his Test debut in England's 21-24 defeat to New Zealand last week and replaces his Bath team-mate Semesa Rokodoguni, who has a hip injury, on the right wing.

"Anthony has been pushing hard for a while," said Lancaster. "He has got all the physical attributes you need. He's tall, good in the air, has pace and good footwork. Now his experience will be tested. His chance has come because of the injury to Roko, and his form for Bath this season, but also because of the conversation I had with him before the New Zealand match.

"It would have been a big step for a 20-year-old to go into a match against the world champions from the start but what came across was how confident he was and how prepared he was. He is definitely ready."

The inclusion of Watson, who lines up opposite experienced Springboks winger Bryan Habana, is the only change to England's starting line-up for the South Africa match, with his replacement Marland Yarde the only change to the bench. James Haskell remained with the squad until Thursday as cover for Tom Wood but has now returned to Wasps.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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