England vs Japan LIVE: Steve Borthwick without key stars but looks to build on early World Cup victory – start time, team news and how to follow
England will look to continue their strong start to the Rugby World Cup when they take on Japan on Sunday.
England entered the tournament in horror form, but recorded their biggest victory of Steve Borthwick’s reign with a 27-10 victory over Argentina.
The Red and Whites were under increasing pressure heading into the World Cup after losing three of their four warm-up matches.
Tom Curry was then sent off just three minutes into the opening game, but George Ford scored 27 points to lead England to victory.
Borthwick’s side now meet Japan, who lead them by a point in Pool D following their dominant 42-12 victory over Chile.
England have not faced the Brave Blossoms in a World Cup since 1987, but recorded two victories when the teams met in the 2018 and 2022 autumn internationals respectively.
England vs Japan: date and how to follow
This Pool D Rugby World Cup clash will take place on Sunday 17 September.
It is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time at the Stade de Nice, home of Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.
The match will be broadcast free-to-air on ITV1 or ITVX, with coverage starting at 7.15pm.
talkSPORT will have updates from the south of France everywhere and talkSPORT.com will also have the best of the reactions.
To connect to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 via the website, click HERE for live streaming.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, via your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
England vs Japan: team news
Curry was suspended for two games and will miss this clash after being sent off for a dangerous tackle against Argentina.
Borthwick are already without captain Owen Farrell, who will serve the final match of a four-match suspension.
Billy Vunipola is available after serving his own suspension in the World Cup opener, but Lewis Ludlam will start at No.8.
England team:
Advantages:Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Joe Marler, George Martin, David Ribbans, Bevan Rodd, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Billy Vunipola , Jack Walker, Jack Willis
Back :Henry Arundell, Danny Care, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Jonny May, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs
England vs Japan: what was said?
England head coach Borthwick on choosing Ludlam ahead of Vunipola: “With the nature of this game and the challenge Japan poses, I thought Lewis was the right man to start.
“He carries, he runs hard and covers a lot of ground on defense, which I don’t think people see often.
“What he does often goes unnoticed. He’s that type of player and we appreciate that here. Lewis is a great giver of energy. He is a great driver of this team and very generous in helping other teammates to progress. You always need these type of players in your team.
Japan head coach Jamie Joseph said: “We expect a lot of pressure. Kicking is a big part of their game and we have to be good enough to catch those balls under extreme pressure.
“That’s going to be one of the big parts of the game that we need to improve on.
“England will be a handful in the way they play the game. They play differently to others at the World Cup and they control the game well.”
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