May, Kruis return for England

Editor

BAGSHOT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Jonny May looks on during the England training session held at Pennyhill Park on November 22, 2016 in Bagshot, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

George Kruis and Jonny May have both been named in the England starting line-up for Saturday’s Test against Argentina.

England head coach Eddie Jones has made four changes to his side.

Kruis (Saracens) is named at second-row after recovering from an ankle injury and Tom Wood (Northampton Saints) returns at flanker.

In the backline there are also returns for Mike Brown (Harlequins) at full-back and May (Gloucester) on the right wing while Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints) is included on a bench that is otherwise unchanged.

“Selection was tough this week but it shows how competitive and how much depth we are developing,” said Jones.

“We’ve had a good week’s preparation and I’ve been really impressed by the players desire to get better. All the credit for what the team has done so far this autumn deserves to go to the players who have been absolutely exceptional.

“Dylan Hartley has led from the front as have Owen Farrell, George Ford and Billy Vunipola. There are a number of other players that have been in leadership roles helping to develop the team.

“This game against Argentina is a big step up for us as they were probably the second best team in the Rugby Championship and played some exceptional rugby. They are a quality team, have power in the forwards, speed and guile in the backs as well as great experience.

We appreciate they have threats across the field and they have always been a physical, tough side. They still have their set-piece armoury in the scrum and lineouts so we’re looking forward to a great challenge against them.

“The set-piece is going to be important. We have worked hard on our scrum and maul this week so they are areas we feel we can get a slight dominance in. We are looking forward to that physical challenge because when you play against the Argentinians it is a challenge. It is forwards against forwards, backs against backs. It is a bit of an old fashioned game.”

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Jonny May, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Chris Robshaw, 5 George Kruis, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 1 Mako Vunipola
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Teimana Harrison,, 21 Danny Care, 22 Ben Te’o, 23 Henry Slade

Date: Saturday, November 26
Venue: Twickenham
Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
Referee: Pascal Gauzère (France)
Assistant Referees: Marius Mitrea (Italy), Ian Davies (Wales)
TMO: Gareth Simmonds (Wales)