Owen Farrell will play as a center for England against Samoa on Saturday, as coach Steve Borthwick returns to the squad for the final match of the group stage. The English are already assured of finishing in first place in their group and participating in the quarter-finals.
Aligned at the opening during the victory against Chile (71-0), captain Farrell will this time be in a central position, alongside Manu Tuilagi.
Owen Farrell is only one length away from the record points scored with the XV de la Rose, previously held by Jonny Wilkinson.
George Ford will take his place at the opening for this match played in Lille at 5:45 p.m.
Winger Henry Arundell, author of five tries against Chile, is not in the starting team.
In total, Borthwick makes 14 changes from the team that swept Chile to face the physical challenge he fears against the Samoans.
“The Samoans are renowned for their physical power and this final match in the group stage is an excellent test for us to continue our adventure in this World Cup,” Borthwick said in a press release from the English Rugby Union.
The “Manu Samoa” will present themselves with a reshuffled team, with nine changes compared to the one beaten by Japan in Toulouse on September 28 (28-22).
Angleterre: Steward – Marchant, Tuilagi, Farrell (cap), May – (o) Ford, (m) Mitchell – Curry, Earl, Lawes – Chessum, Itoje – Cole, George, Genge
Subs: Dan, Marler, Sinckler, Martin, Vunipola, Care, Smith, Lawrence
Selector: Steve Borthwick (ENG)
Samoa: Paia’aua – Ah Wong, Manu, Toala, Fomai – (o) Sopoaga, (m) Taumateine - Lee, Luatua, McFarland – Alainu’u’ese, Slade – Alaalatoa (cap), Malolo, Lay
Remplaçants: Lam, Lay, Alo-Emile, Fasoso, Motuga, Matavao, Lealifano, Failagi
Coach: Seilala Mapusua (SAM)