SM
Oman vs. Qatar: 13 hrs 25 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Rugby World Cup | Semi-Finals
Oct 26, 2019 at 9am UK
 
England
19-7
New Zealand
Tuilagi (2')
FT
Savea (57')

George Ford back at fly-half for England's World Cup semi-final

:Headline: George Ford back at fly-half for England's World Cup semi-final: ID:376045: from db_amp
Playmaker has been recalled to the starting line-up.

George Ford has been restored at fly-half for England’s World Cup semi-final against New Zealand at International Stadium Yokohama on Saturday.

Ford was named on the bench for the last-eight rout of Australia but will now act as playmaker in chief for the biggest match of the Eddie Jones era.

Henry Slade must settle for a place on the bench to accommodate Ford with Owen Farrell and Manu Tuilagi forming the centre combination.

Eddie Jones has opted to bring Ford back (David Davies/PA)

Jonny May has recovered from the hamstring problem sustained against Australia to continue on the left wing, but Jack Nowell has been unable to shake off the same injury and so misses out.

An additional change to the bench sees Mark Wilson given the opportunity to add to his solitary World Cup appearance against the USA after dislodging Lewis Ludlam.

Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola will win his 50th cap as part of a back row that includes Tom Curry and Sam Underhill.

Jones sprang a major surprise by dropping Ford against the Wallabies but the decision was vindicated by a four-try demolition that resulted in the departure of coach Michael Cheika.

Ford had to settle for a bench role last weekend (David Davies/PA)

The Leicester fly-half was in superb form until his demotion to the bench and Jones has reverted to the twin playmaker option that has otherwise served him well during the World Cup and its build-up.

It is the only change to the starting XV with George Kruis unable to dislodge Courtney Lawes from the second row.

Jones insists England will not be over-awed by the magnitude of the occasion as they seek to inflict a first World Cup defeat on New Zealand for 12 years.

“Preparation has been good this week after a solid win against Australia,” Jones said.

“When you get to this stage of the World Cup it is all about focusing on being in the moment and getting yourself physically right.

“The squad has approached the game well with real maturity. It has helped having players here who have been on the Lions tour and played against New Zealand.

“They have been involved in some of the biggest games in world rugby so this semi-final won’t faze them.

“New Zealand are a great team and they have an impressive winning record since the last World Cup.

“Like any good team, you have to take away time and space from them and you have to find areas you can pressure them. We believe we have identified a number of areas where we can do that.”

amp_article__376045 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-10-24 08:28:04:
html db last update - 2019-10-24 08:28:04 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about George Ford

Click here for more stories about England

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .