Slade back in England XV for must-win game with Fiji
Henry Slade returns to England's starting lineup after not playing in the Six Nations, as Steve Borthwick looks to avoid a sixth straight Test defeat.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has made changes to the starting XV ahead of Saturday's match against Fiji, aiming to end a five-match losing streak. Centre Henry Slade, who did not play a minute of England's Six Nations campaign earlier this year, has been recalled to the starting lineup. Slade, 33, previously admitted frustration at being out of England's midfield equation. He finished the domestic season in excellent form, leading Exeter to the Premiership final.
His return means Northampton's Tommy Freeman is deployed in his more accustomed wing position after a year-long experiment to convert him into an outside centre. Guy Pepper replaces Tom Curry at openside flanker in the other change to the starting XV. Additionally, the uncapped trio of Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Noah Caluori and George Kloska are poised to make their Test debuts off the bench.
Slade was a late call-up to the matchday 23 that lost to South Africa last Saturday, filling in on the bench after starting full-back George Furbank suffered appendicitis. He replaced injured wing Cadan Murley on 54 minutes, with England finishing the 45-21 defeat by the Springboks with the same backline they have named to start against Fiji.
"We've had a really positive week of preparation, and the players have worked hard in training," said Borthwick. "We know Fiji will provide a tough challenge. They are a dangerous side who will demand the very best from us."
England's defeat by South Africa follows a dismal Six Nations campaign that featured losses to Scotland, Ireland, Italy and France. While Borthwick has been backed through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia by Rugby Football Union bosses, their faith, and that of England's fanbase, will be tested if their streak extends to a sixth Test reverse. England will travel to Argentina on 18 July for the final round of the summer leg of the new Nations Championship.
