England
Cipriani given chance to push World Cup claims
Tom Hamilton
August 18, 2015
Danny Cipriani during England training
Danny Cipriani during England training© David Rogers/Getty Images

Danny Cipriani has been handed another chance at forcing his way into England's final 31-man Rugby World Cup squad after he was named on the bench for Saturday's Test against France in Paris.

England have made 14 changes to the starting line-up that beat France last weekend with Jonny May retained in the XV.

Other than that, Stuart Lancaster has recalled a host of those who played for England in the Six Nations with Mike Brown returning at fullback after his lay-off with concussion.

Luther Burrell and Jonathan Joseph are paired in the centres with neither Sam Burgess nor Henry Slade featuring in the matchday 23 while Jack Nowell joins May and Brown in the back three.

George Ford and Ben Youngs link up in the half-backs while Chris Robshaw returns to captain the side at openside with Billy Vunipola and James Haskell joining him in the back-row.

The second-row sees Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes paired while Joe Marler, Tom Youngs and Dan Cole form the front-row.

Cipriani will look to enhance his claims for a spot in the final 31 if given his chance from the bench while Billy Twelvetrees is also included among the replacements.

Jamie George will make his England debut from the bench as cover for Tom Youngs.

"Having reviewed last Saturday there were a lot of things we were pleased with considering it was the first game," Lancaster said. "There is now an opportunity for those not involved or who didn't get much opportunity from the bench to put a marker down and build on that performance.

"France were very good last weekend and will be even stronger at home and this will be a big test but these guys have been working hard for the opportunity and are desperate to go out and perform. I'm delighted for Jamie George who hopefully gets his first cap and also Joe Launchbury, who has worked tirelessly and patiently to get back to fitness.

"It is a big couple of weeks ahead for all the 39-man squad with the game this weekend and some competitive training sessions to come this week and next as we look to narrow down the squad ahead of the World Cup."

England: Mike Brown, Jack Nowell, Jonathan Joseph, Luther Burrell, Jonny May, George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Tom Youngs, Dan Cole, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, James Haskell, Chris Robshaw (captain), Billy Vunipola

Replacements: Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, David Wilson, Dave Attwood, Nick Easter, Danny Care, Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees

© Tom Hamilton

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