England team v Argentina: Steve Borthwick finally rewards Harlequins star but keeps changes to a minimum
England centre Luke Northmore and head coach Steve Borthwick (inset).
England head coach Steve Borthwick has kept changes to a minimum to his starting line-up for their Test against Argentina at Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario in San Juan on Saturday.
There is just one change to the run-on side that clinched a 35–12 victory over Los Pumas in last weekend’s clash in La Plata, with Luke Northmore set to make his first start in an England shirt at outside centre.
The Harlequins star, who plays primarily at inside centre at club level, comes into England‘s starting line-up as a replacement for Henry Slade, who broke his hand in the first Test against Argentina.
Northmore partners Seb Atkinson in midfield
Northmore joins Seb Atkinson in midfield while co-captain George Ford and Ben Spencer continue as the starting halfback combination.
The rest of the backline consists of Freddie Steward, who starts at full-back and Tom Roebuck and Will Muir, who are the two wingers.
In the forwards, co-captain Jamie George packs down at hooker in a solid-looking front-row alongside Joe Heyes and Fin Baxter, who are the starting props, while Charlie Ewels and Alex Coles line up in the second-row.
In the back-row, Tom Willis retains his spot as the starting number eight – after an outstanding all-round performance in the first Test – while Sam Underhill and Ben Curry complete the run-on side as the two flankers
The replacement bench remains unchanged, with Borthwick retaining a 6-2 split between forwards and backs.
Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Chandler Cunningham-South, Guy Pepper and Alex Dombrandt are the back-up options for the forwards, while Jack van Poortvliet and Cadan Murley offer cover for the backs.
“Saturday’s match in San Juan is another great challenge,” said Borthwick.
“The players have trained with real focus and intensity this week, determined to keep improving in every area.
“We’re expecting a tactical battle as well as a tough, physical contest, and everyone is excited for what should be a fantastic Test match.”
England’s summer tour concludes with a Test against the USA Eagles in Washington D.C. on Saturday, July 19.
England team to face Argentina
England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Luke Northmore, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Will Muir, 10 George Ford (cc), 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Tom Willis, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Ben Curry, 5 Alex Coles, 4 Charlie Ewels, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George (cc), 1 Fin Baxter
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Alex Dombrandt, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Cadan Murley
Date: Saturday, July 12
Venue: Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, San Juan
Kick-off: 16:40 local (20:40 BST, 19:40 GMT)
Referee: Luc Ramos (France)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
FPRO: Olly Hodges (Ireland)