Rugby Union Today: England name team for final warm-up

Colin Newboult

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Eddie Jones announced his 23-man squad for England’s final World Cup warm-up against Italy.

What’s on the site

Joe Marchant will make his first start for England in their final warm-up game, despite not being named in the World Cup squad. Owen Farrell captains the team while Ruaridh McConnochie will hope to finally make his debut.

Elsewhere, Loose Pass returned to Planet Rugby to discuss selections for the global tournament and the unfortunate Devin Toner, who was omitted from the 31-man Ireland group for the South African-born Jean Kleyn.

Meanwhile, our ‘My Rugby World Cup hero’ featured continued with former Australia captain Stirling Mortlock, who played a significant part in the Wallabies’ 2003 semi-final triumph.

What’s in the news

Ryan Wilson will lead Scotland in their reverse fixture against Georgia at Murrayfield on Friday. Meanwhile, following the omissions of Rory Hutchinson and Huw Jones from the World Cup squad, Duncan Taylor is handed an opportunity in the 13 shirt.

Italy are also experimenting after making 11 changes for their game against England, while David Pocock is named in the Wallabies line-up for the first time this year.

Continuing in Australia and Tatafu Polota-Nau has announced that he will retire from international rugby after their encounter versus Samoa on Saturday. The hooker has not made the World Cup squad but would be eligible for the national team following the global tournament under “Giteau’s Law,” but the Leicester Tigers front-rower will concentrate on club matters.

What’s on social media

One of the great moments from the 2007 World Cup.

What’s on TV

It’s the final weekend of the World Cup warm-ups and England’s clash with Italy at St James’ Park will be televised on Sky Sports.

They also have the All Blacks v Tonga match, while all the Mitre 10 Cup and Currie Cup action will be broadcast on that channel.

In Dublin, Ireland and Wales go head-to-head and that match takes place on Channel 4, while Premier Sports have Scotland’s return fixture versus Georgia.

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