England v South Africa
England make one change for Springboks
ESPN Staff
November 13, 2014
Anthony Watson (right) replaces the injured Semesa Rokoduguni © Getty Images
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England have made just one change ahead of Saturday's game against the Springboks at Twickenham. With Semesa Rokoduguni ruled out due to a hip injury, his Bath team-mate Anthony Watson is handed his first Test start on the wing where he will face the unenviable task of trying to contain Bryan Habana. In the pack, Tom Wood was an injury doubt but he retains his place at blindside while Marland Yarde is added to the bench to cover the back three. Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes suffered concussions against New Zealand last weekend but both have completed the graduated return to play protocol and start in the pack. At half-back, Danny Care wins his 50th cap. England in must-win territory
"Anthony has been pushing hard for a while and has been in impressive form for Bath and in training with us," Lancaster said. "It was great that he got on against New Zealand and we feel he is ready to start. Equally, it's good to have Marland back in the matchday 23. Congratulations to Danny Care who will be winning his 50th cap. It'll be a special moment for him and I am sure he will rise to the occasion." England will hope to bounce back against South Africa on Saturday after falling to a 24-21 loss to New Zealand last weekend. But they will not have it easy against the Springboks who have not lost to England since 2006. "I know the players are looking forward to the challenge," Lancaster added. "South Africa have quality and experience across the park and it will be a big test for us." England: Mike Brown, Anthony Watson, Brad Barritt, Kyle Eastmond, Jonny May, Owen Farrell, Danny Care; Joe Marler, Dylan Hartley, Dave Wilson, Dave Attwood, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Chris Robshaw (captain), Billy Vunipola Replacements: Rob Webber, Matt Mullan, Kieran Brookes, George Kruis, Ben Morgan, Ben Youngs, George Ford, Marland Yarde © ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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