Captain Owen Farrell will start at fly-half with fellow number 10 Marcus Smith at full-back for England’s crunch World Cup quarter-final clash with Fiji.
Farrell will make only his second start in the 10 shirt since he was sent off against Wales in August, while Smith makes only his second professional start ever at 15, the other starts for both being against Chile.
It was reported as early as Wednesday that these headline changes could be made, but with Ford seemingly in much better form than Farrell and playing a pivotal role in their crucial wins against Argentina and Japan, many will still be surprised by the official announcement, which sees him dropped to the bench.
Freddie Steward, who has been at full-back for every game other than the Chile win, drops out of the squad entirely, with Henry Arundell continues to be omitted despite his five tries in that victory.
Behind an unchanged forward pack, Alex Mitchell continues at scrum-half despite a disappointing performance against Samoa, with Danny Care remaining on the bench after starring as a substitute last Saturday.
The centre combination of Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant returns after working so successfully in defence against Argentina and Japan, as well as the the combination of wingers that played in that game – Elliot Daly and Jonny May.
“Everyone knows just what an unpredictably dangerous opposition Fiji can be,” Borthwick said, having infamously coached England to their first ever defeat to the Pacific Island Nation less than two months ago.
“However, we have shown in the group stages how we can win games, and we will be calling on that experience and determination to ensure we carry on our journey.”
“We are very much looking forward to returning to the special atmosphere of the Stade de Marseille, where we started our campaign back in September with a win against Argentina.
“I have said it before, but it is right that I say it again, our supporters contributed to a very special night on that occasion, and I have no doubt it will be another memorable evening this Sunday.”
Fiji have made two changes to the backline that were beaten by Portugal last week, as Sireli Maqala drops to the bench and is replaced by Ilaisa Droasese, while Semi Radradra comes in for Selestino Ravutaumada, with Vinaya Habosi moving to right wing to make space for Radradra on the left.
After four appearances in a row off the bench, Tevita Ikanivere makes his first World Cup start at hooker in place of Josh Matavesi, following the death of his father on Wednesday.
Albert Tuisue starts in the second row, with Lekima Tagitagivalu coming into the back row, meaning the team shows five changes in total from last week’s defeat to Portugal.
Ten players in the starting team also turned out against England at Twickenham in August, including five in the backs with only Caleb Muntz and Ravutaumada missing. Fiji also have all three scorers from that day in their matchday squad for this game: Habosi, Simione Kuruvoli and captain Waisea Nayacalevu.
ENGLAND: Smith; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Farrell (capt), Mitchell; Genge, George, Cole, Itoje, Chessum, Lawes, Curry, Earl
Replacements: Dan, Marler, Sinckler, Martin, Vunipola, Care, Ford, Lawrence
FIJI: Droasese; Habosi, Nayacalevu (capt), Tuisova, Radradra; Botitu, Lomani; Mawi, Ikanivere, Tagi, Nasilasila, Tuisue, Tagitagivalu, Botia, Mata
Replacements: Matavesi, Ravai, Doge, Derenalagi, Miramira, Kuruvoli, Masi, Maqala
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