England rugby head coach Steve Borthwick has announced his team to face Japan in their final November international at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, making two key changes to the starting lineup that fell to South Africa last weekend. Flanker Tom Curry returns from a head injury to bolster the back row, while George Furbank gets the nod at fullback.
The 24-year-old Curry, who sustained a concussion in England’s narrow loss to the Wallabies earlier this month, slots back in at openside flanker. His work rate and physicality at the breakdown will be crucial against a Japanese side known for their high-tempo attacking style. Curry replaces Chandler Cunningham-South, who drops to the bench.
Furbank Returns at Fullback as Steward Drops Out
In a surprising move, Northampton Saints’ George Furbank has been handed the No. 15 jersey, with the in-form Freddie Steward left out of the matchday 23 entirely. Furbank, who started at fullback in England’s Six Nations matches earlier this year, will look to provide a steady presence at the back and unleash his attacking skills against the Brave Blossoms.
George has been training really well and deserves this opportunity. He offers a solid kicking game and counter-attacking threat that will be important against Japan.
– Steve Borthwick, England head coach
Opoku-Fordjour in Line for Debut from the Bench
Uncapped Sale Sharks prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour could make his England debut on Sunday after being named among the replacements. The 23-year-old tighthead, who has impressed in the Premiership this season, provides cover for Will Stuart. If he takes the field, Opoku-Fordjour will become the third new cap for England this autumn.
| England Starting XV vs Japan | Replacements |
| 1. Ellis Genge | 16. Luke Cowan-Dickie |
| 2. Jamie George (c) | 17. Fin Baxter |
| 3. Will Stuart | 18. Asher Opoku-Fordjour |
| 4. Maro Itoje | 19. Nick Isiekwe |
| 5. George Martin | 20. Chandler Cunningham-South |
| 6. Tom Curry | 21. Harry Randall |
| 7. Sam Underhill | 22. Fin Smith |
| 8. Ben Earl | 23. Tom Roebuck |
England Seek to End Autumn Series on a High
After suffering defeats to New Zealand, Argentina, and South Africa, England are desperate to finish their November campaign with a victory against a dangerous Japan side ranked 6th in the world. According to a source close to the team, Borthwick has emphasized the importance of executing their game plan and maintaining intensity for the full 80 minutes.
Japan, coached by former All Black Jamie Joseph, will pose a stern test with their high-paced, expansive attacking brand of rugby. The Brave Blossoms famously stunned South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and have continued to rise in the global rankings since.
We are expecting an immense challenge from Japan, who play a fast, dynamic style of rugby. It’s crucial we stick to our structures, make our tackles, and take our opportunities in attack.
– Jamie George, England captain
The match kicks off at 3:15pm GMT on Sunday at Twickenham. A capacity crowd of 82,000 is expected as England aim to give their supporters something to cheer about and build momentum heading into the 2023 Six Nations.
For Borthwick and his squad, a convincing win against Japan would provide a much-needed boost after a challenging year. With the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, England need to show signs of progress and lay down a marker against a fellow top-tier nation.
The return of Curry and selection of Furbank signal Borthwick’s intent to field a mobile, attacking side to counter Japan’s high-tempo game. The pack will need to secure set-piece dominance and slow down Japanese ball, while the backs must take their chances and showcase their finishing abilities.
Sunday’s clash promises to be a fascinating encounter between two nations with contrasting styles. For England, it represents an opportunity to end a difficult year on a positive note and build belief ahead of the World Cup cycle. Japan, as they have shown in recent years, will not be pushovers and will relish the chance to claim another major scalp on the international stage.
