England coach Eddie Jones has sprang a surprise by naming Mark Wilson at number eight for Saturday’s clash against South Africa as he opted for a new-look backrow combination boasting only six international starts between them.
With regular number eight Billy Vunipola injured and Nathan Hughes suspended, Jones had been expected to go for uncapped Zach Mercer, who was instead named among the replacements as tough-tackling Wilson wins his fifth cap and his second start.
Brad Shields wins his third cap at blindside with four-cap Tom Curry, impressive in the 2-1 series defeat against the Springboks, keeping the No.7 shirt.
As expected, Owen Farrell will start at flyhalf, with Ben Te’o, who has played only 25 minutes of club rugby this season, and Henry Slade outside him and George Ford on the bench.
Dylan Hartley, co-captain with Farrell, returns at hooker alongside props Kyle Sinckler and Alec Hepburn.
Elliot Daly is fullback with Jonny May and Jack Nowell claiming the wing berths as Chris Ashton failed to make the matchday squad.
Manu Tuilagi, who last played for England in 2016 and who has endured a wretched four-year run of injuries, is named on the bench along with uncapped prop Ben Moon.
The Springboks, who were superb in beating the All Blacks in Wellington then agonisingly losing the home return in the Rugby Championship last month, will be without several key players on Saturday as the Test falls outside the international window meaning clubs are not obliged to release them.
England, who have lost five of their last six full tests, take on New Zealand, Japan and then Australia after Saturday’s match, all at Twickenham.
England squad to play South Africa:
Elliot Daly, Jack Nowell, Henry Slade, Ben Te’o, Jonny May, Owen Farrell (co-capt), Ben Youngs; Alec Hepburn, Dylan Hartley (co-capt), Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Brad Shields, Tom Curry, Mark Wilson
Reps Jamie George, Ben Moon, Harry Williams, Charlie Ewels, Zach Mercer, Danny Care, George Ford, Manu Tuilagi.