UNDER FIRE ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster has made wholesale changes to his team for the Pool A anti-climax against Uruguay in Manchester on Saturday.

Most intriguing is his centre selection which brings Owen Farrell in to partner Exeter playmaker Henry Slade – who was centre option ear-marked as the emergency number 10 cover – with George Ford handed the reins.

For Slade, Alex Goode, Danny Care and Jack Nowell the game represents their first ever Rugby World Cup Test. While Nick Easter, James Haskell and Mako Vunipola are in for their first start of this tournament.

England (v Uruguay)

15. Alex Goode
14. Anthony Watson
13. Henry Slade
12. Owen Farrell
11. Jack Nowell
10. George Ford
9. Danny Care

1. Mako Vunipola
2. Tom Youngs
3. Dan Cole
4. Joe Launchbury
5. Geoff Parling
6. James Haskell
7. Chris Robshaw (capt)
8. Nick Easter

Replacements

16. Jamie George
17. Joe Marler
18. David Wilson
19. George Kruis
20. Tom Wood
21. Richard Wigglesworth
22. Jonathan Joseph
23. Mike Brown

‘Everyone’s probably scared sh*tless of him’ – Sexton on Cheika’s coaching methods

Analysis: Australia used Joe Marler’s reputation against him at the scrum