Slade on bench for England

By Mark Stevens
24/11/16

Exeter Chiefs back Henry Slade has been named in Eddie Jones’ England squad for this weekend’s Old Mutual Wealth Series against Argentina at Twickenham Stadium (kick-off 2.30pm, live on Sky Sports 2).

Slade appeared off the bench in last weekend’s victory over Fiji, winning his third cap in the process, and he keeps his place in the match-day 23 for this latest encounter.

However, Jones has made four changes to his side to face the Pumas. George Kruis (Saracens) is named at second-row after recovering from an ankle injury and Tom Wood (Northampton Saints) returns at flanker.

In the backline there are also returns for Mike Brown (Harlequins) at full back and Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby) on the right wing, while Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints) is included on a bench that is otherwise unchanged.

“Selection was interesting this week but it shows how competitive and how much depth we are developing,” said Jones (pictured).

“We’ve had a strong week’s preparation and I’ve been really impressed by the players desire to get better. It is a strong and relentless team. All the credit for what the team has done so far this autumn deserves to go to the players who have been absolutely exceptional.

“Dylan Hartley has led from the front as have Owen Farrell, George Ford and Billy Vunipola. There are a number of other players that have been in leadership roles helping to develop the team.

“This game against Argentina is a big step up for us as they were probably the second best team in the Rugby Championship and played some exceptional rugby. They are a quality team, have power in the forwards, speed and guile in the backs as well as great experience. We appreciate they have threats across the field and they have always been a physical, tough side. They still have their set-piece armoury in the scrum and lineouts so we’re looking forward to a great game of rugby against them.

“The set-piece is going to be important. We have worked hard on our scrum and maul this week so they are areas we feel we can get a slight dominance in. We are looking forward to that physical challenge because when you play against the Argentinians it is a challenge. It is forwards against forwards, backs against backs. It is a bit of an old fashioned game.”

England match-day 23 for the Old Mutual Wealth Series game against Argentina

15. Mike Brown (vice captain, Harlequins, 53 caps)

14. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 20 caps)

13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 27 caps)

12. Owen Farrell (vice captain, Saracens, 45 caps)

11. Elliot Daly (Wasps, 7 caps)

10. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 28 caps)

9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 63 caps)

1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 37 caps)

2. Dylan Hartley (captain, Northampton Saints, 77 caps)

3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 67 caps)

4. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 51 caps)

5. George Kruis (Saracens, 18 caps)

6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 53 caps)

7. Tom Wood (Northampton Saints, 43 caps)

8. Billy Vunipola (vice captain, Saracens, 31 caps)

Replacements

16. Jamie George (Saracens, 10 caps)

17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 44 caps)

18. Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, 2 caps)

19. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 1 cap)

20. Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)

21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 64 caps)

22. Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors, 2 caps)

23. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps)