​Newly qualified centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg and teenage prodigy Noah Caluori are set to make their England debuts off the bench in the clash against Fiji. Janse van Rensburg, who was born in South Africa, gained eligibility to represent England through residency this week and is immediately included in Steve Borthwick’s matchday 23. He joins Bristol Bears teammate George Kloska as one of the three first-time substitutes in the replacements bench.
Caluori, at just 19 years old, was the top try-scorer in last season’s Gallagher Premiership. Despite his prolific academy form, Borthwick has decided not to start the young talent at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, opting instead for a tactical shift that sees Tommy Freeman move to the wing. Henry Slade, who has impressed with his form for Exeter, earns a starting-centre berth alongside Slade’s partner in midfield. In the back row, Guy Pepper is selected to start, pushing Tom Curry to the bench, while Marcus Smith remains at full-back.
England enter this fixture aiming to snap a five-match losing streak after a defeat to South Africa at Ellis Park in their Nations Championship opener last week. The team hasn’t endured six consecutive Test losses since 2006, underscoring the urgency to rebound against Fiji. “We’ve had a really positive week of preparation, and the players have worked hard in training,” Borthwick said. “We know Fiji will provide a tough challenge. They are a dangerous side who will demand the very best from us.”
Fiji, who were defeated by Wales in Cardiff in their first July Test, will play all of their “home” fixtures in this competition on neutral soil in the United Kingdom. “It’s fantastic to be playing at Hill Dickinson Stadium, which is an outstanding venue,” Borthwick added. “There is a real passion for rugby across the north of England, and we’re looking forward to experiencing a brilliant atmosphere in Liverpool.”
England XV to face Fiji in Liverpool (Saturday 11 July, 2.10pm BST): 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George (capt.), 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Alex Coles, 5 George Martin; 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 12 Seb Atkinson, 13 Henry Slade, 14 Tommy Freeman, 15 Marcus Smith. Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 18 George Kloska, 19 Tom Curry, 20 Henry Pollock; 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 23 Noah Caluori.
This selection marks a new era for England as they look to turn their fortune around and return to winning form in a high-stakes fixture set to attract significant attention from fans and pundits alike. The inclusion of Janse van Rensburg and Caluori showcases England’s willingness to reward emerging talent and strategic versatility, while the rest of the squad combines seasoned internationals with players in peak club-season form to bolster the team’s hopes of reversing a difficult run of results.