Ford and Farrell to form England’s 10-12 combo against Samoa

George Ford will make his first Test start for England on Saturday after being named in Stuart Lancaster‘s starting XV to take on Samoa at Twickenham.
The 21 year-old Bath fly-half gets the nod for the No.10 shirt pushing the incumbent Owen Farrell to inside centre in a similar set up they used at age-group level.
Ford is partnered by his ex-Leicester teammate Ben Youngs at half-back while Wasps’ James Haskell and Gloucester No.8 Ben Morgan replace Tom Wood and Billy Vunipola in the back row.
Rob Webber comes in at hooker for Dylan Hartley with Billy Twelvetrees and Richard Wigglesworth joining the replacements for the first time this autumn.

Lancaster said: “Those selected have a great opportunity to show what they can do against what will be a highly motivated Samoa team.
“It’s great to give George a start in this series, having missed the summer tour through injury. He has been impressive in camp and now fully up to speed with the game plan and he is ready to run the game.
“Owen switches to 12 and I am sure will support George well. In the back row both James and Ben have been in great form and I am sure they will bring their physical presence to the game.
“Hooker is another competitive position and we believe Rob is ready for the start and will continue the progress he made on the New Zealand tour.”

England: Mike Brown; Anthony Watson, Brad Barritt, Owen Farrell, Jonny May; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Rob Webber, David Wilson; Dave Attwood, Courtney Lawes; James Haskell, Chris Robshaw (Capt.), Ben Morgan.
Replacements: Dylan Hartley, Matt Mullan, Kieran Brookes, George Kruis, Tom Wood, Richard Wigglesworth, Billy Twelvetrees, Marland Yarde.
Samoa: K Pisi; A Leiua, R Lee Lo, J Leota, D Lemi (Capt.); T Pisi, K Fotuali; S Taulafo, Tii Paulo, C Johnston; Teofilo Paulo, K Thompson; M Faasavalu, J Lam, O Treviranus.
Replacements: 16 M Leiataua, 17 V Afatia, 18 A Perenise, 19 F Lemalu, 20 D Leo, 21 T J Ioane, 22 P Cowley, 23 M Stanley.
*George Ford video courtesy of Rugbymedia.