Published 12 days ago • loading... • Updated 11 days ago
England Recall Slade for Fiji as Pressure Mounts on Borthwick
Bristol Bears centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg is set for his England debut against Fiji on Saturday, joined on the bench by Saracens winger Noah Caluori and Bristol prop George Kloska.
Head coach Steve Borthwick recalled centre Henry Slade to the starting XV at Hill Dickinson Stadium, seeking to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat after England's 45-21 loss to South Africa last week.
Janse van Rensburg qualified for the national team through five years of residency completed on July 8, just days after England's defeat in Johannesburg that prevented his earlier selection.
England prop Joe Marler defended the eligibility policy, stating "He plays in the country, he pays taxes into the country, so just crack on," despite critics questioning foreign-born selections.
Borthwick praised the venue as "fantastic," noting "There is a real passion for rugby across the north of England" as the team prepares for Saturday's match in Liverpool.