England name team to take on Fiji in RWC opener

Ben Youngs will win a 50th Test cap when England face Fiji in the first match of Rugby World Cup at on Friday.
The Leicester scrum-half, who made his Test debut in a 15-15 draw with five years ago, lines up for the tournament-opener as head coach Stuart Lancaster retains the same starting XV from the 21-13 defeat of Ireland a fortnight ago.
There is one change on the replacements’ bench however with hooker Rob Webber replacing Jamie George.
Lancaster said: “The squad is massively excited to start the World Cup. Everyone has worked incredibly hard over the last three months and we are ready.
“All the players have put their hand up in training and the internationals we have played this summer and we are blessed to have such a strong squad to select from against a skilful and powerful Fijian side.
“Friday will be a great occasion for the whole squad and for the country. We are in a unique position to be playing in a World Cup on home soil and to have the support of a nation behind the team.
“That support will be a massive factor and we don’t underestimate its importance.
“I’d like to congratulate Ben Youngs on his achievement. To win 50 caps for your country in such a relatively short period of time is testament to Ben’s dedication and commitment.”
England: Mike Brown (); Anthony Watson (Bath), Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Brad Barritt (), Jonny May (); George Ford (Bath), Ben Youngs (Leicester); (Harlequins), Tom Youngs (Leicester), Dan Cole (Leicester); Geoff Parling (Exeter), Courtney Lawes (Northampton); Tom Wood (Northampton), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, Capt.), Ben Morgan (Gloucester).
Replacements: Rob Webber (Bath), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Kieran Brookes (Northampton), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), (Saracens), (Bath).

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