England team vs Japan: Borthwick makes 10 changes as McParland in line for debut

Steve Borthwick has made 10 changes to his England side for Saturday’s Nations Championship match against Japan, with scrum-half Archie McParland in line for his Test debut.

McParland is named on the bench at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, after a run of injuries that held back his early career.

England vs Japan kicks off at 4.40pm on Saturday and is live on ITV1 and ITVX.

England team vs Japan in full

Starting XV:
15. Freddie Steward
14. Will Joseph
13. Henry Slade
12. Max Ojomoh
11. Cadan Murley
10. George Ford (vice-captain)
9. Jack van Poortvliet

1. Ellis Genge
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie
3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour
4. Maro Itoje (captain)
5. George Martin
6. Alex Coles
7. Ben Earl
8. Henry Pollock

Replacements: 16. Theo Dan, 17. Emmanuel Iyogun, 18. Joe Heyes, 19. Arthur Clark, 20. Ben Curry, 21. Greg Fisilau, 22. Archie McParland, 23. Marcus Smith.

The 10 changes

Borthwick has rotated heavily after last weekend’s 45-22 win over Australia, bringing in 10 players:

• Front row: Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Asher Opoku-Fordjour.
• Second row: George Martin.
• Back row: Henry Pollock starts at number eight.
• Half-backs: George Ford comes in at fly-half.
• Backs: Max Ojomoh starts at inside centre, and Freddie Steward, Will Joseph and Cadan Murley form a new back three.

Pollock scored two tries as emergency wing cover against Australia and moves back into his usual position in the pack. Maro Itoje keeps the captaincy, and Henry Slade, Alex Coles and Ben Earl also keep their places.

Marcus Smith provides cover at fly-half and full-back from the bench.

McParland’s chance

McParland has had a stop-start rise, and this is the first time he has been named in a Test matchday 23.

“We’re all delighted for Archie,” Borthwick said. “He’s an outstanding young talent who has worked hard to get to this point.”

The head coach said the scrum-half “has had some bad luck with injury” but has earned his opportunity.

Who misses out?

England were already without several players for this match. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (ankle) and Tom Curry (hip) are out for the rest of the November campaign, and Seb Atkinson, Ollie Chessum and George Furbank are also unavailable.

What Borthwick expects from Japan

Japan arrive after a 28-21 defeat by Wales in Cardiff last weekend, but Borthwick does not expect an easy afternoon.

“Japan are a very well-coached side who will challenge us in different ways,” he told Rugby365. He added that England would need to bring intensity throughout the game.

Argentina’s Damián Schneider will referee.

For channels, gate times and the full matchday guide, see our England vs Japan TV guide. For the rest of the weekend’s Tests, visit our international rugby hub.

England team vs Japan FAQ

How many changes have England made for Japan?
Ten, after the 45-22 win over Australia.

Who is making his England debut against Japan?
Scrum-half Archie McParland is in line to debut from the bench.

Who is England captain against Japan?
Maro Itoje, with George Ford as vice-captain.

What time is England vs Japan?
4.40pm on Saturday 14 November at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

What channel is England vs Japan on?
ITV1 and ITVX.