England head coach Steve Borthwick has made changes to his team for Friday’s Rugby World Cup third-place play-off against Argentina. England were seconds away from securing their place in Saturday’s final, but came unstuck in the dying moment during their semi-final against South Africa as the Springboks won by a single point following a late penalty from Handre Pollard.
In a new-look front row Ellis Genge, who gave away that penalty following an infringement in the scrum, will return at loosehead prop, with Will Stuart named at tighthead. And Theo Dan will start at hooker. Meanwhile, Ollie Chessum comes in to partner Maro Itoje in the second row.
Tom Curry and Ben Earl will retain their places in the back row, while Sam Underhill will make his first appearance of the tournament at flanker.
England were huge underdogs ahead of their encounter with South Africa after underwhelming during their quarter-final clash with Fiji. But they produced a scintillating performance and were 15-6 ahead with 11 minutes remaining.
Borthwick’s men were ultimately left heartbroken, however, as RG Snyman crossed for a try, before Pollard converted and then kicked another three points after Ellis Genge had been penalised in the scrum.
England have gained their fair share of plaudits throughout the Rugby World Cup and face one final battle in France before heading home. The Northern Hemisphere team have already defeated Argentina in their opening game of the tournament, despite playing almost the entire match with 14 men following the dismissal of Tom Curry after just three minutes. And England will be hungry to finish their tournament in style at the Stade de France.
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