Pollock Starts Alongside Ojomoh and Joseph in Bold England Side

Henry Pollock, Max Ojomoh, and Will Joseph have been named to start for England in Saturday’s Nations Championship Test against Japan, head coach Steve Borthwick announced.

England makes 10 changes to the starting lineup following last weekend’s victory over Australia. These changes allow the team to test new combinations one year before the Rugby World Cup in Australia. The coaching staff must evaluate depth due to enforced absences, as they cannot build on the previous win with the same selection.

Pollock Starts at No 8

George Martin joins captain Maro Itoje in the second row. This completes the tightened forward blend.

Ojomoh and Joseph Join Overhauled Back Three

Ojomoh replaces Seb Atkinson, who is out with a hip injury. He has not played for England since the win over Argentina one year ago. The coaching staff wants improved defensive work and intensity from the 26-year-old. They acknowledge his playmaking and running threat.

Understand that all of Henry Pollock (No 8), Max Ojomoh (inside centre) and Will Joseph (wing) will start for England against Japan this Saturday. More here ⬇️https://t.co/dljEbWEJNv

— Post by @CharlesRTel on X

Will Joseph replaces Tommy Freeman on the wing. He joins an overhauled back three with Cadan Murley and full-back Freddie Steward, following the injuries to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and George Furbank as the team rotates its options.

Tactical Selection in the Halves

George Ford starts at fly-half ahead of Marcus Smith. Jack van Poortvliet keeps his place at scrum-half. Fin Smith played 80 minutes against the Wallabies and is now out of the matchday squad.

“Japan are a very well-coached side who will challenge us in different ways, and we know we'll need to bring intensity throughout the game,” head coach Steve Borthwick said. England faces Japan at 4.40pm this Saturday. The team wants to maintain the momentum from the atmosphere at Allianz Stadium last week before they play New Zealand on November 21.