Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Noah Caluori, and George Kloska are all in line to make their England Test debuts against Fiji on Saturday, as named on the bench by head coach Steve Borthwick. The South African-born Janse van Rensburg qualified this week on residency grounds, having previously been ineligible due to a brief age-grade appearance for South Africa in 2016. The 29-year-old centre is the latest to be picked by Borthwick, who has selected 17 different starting centre partnerships in his 46-Test tenure.
Janse van Rensburg's Qualification and Style
Janse van Rensburg's eligibility was confirmed this week, allowing him to join the England squad. Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth praised his abilities: 'He’s willing to take the ball to the line and throw long passes into space, but also to get between defenders and use his physicality well. We’ve seen him play well in the Premiership … he’s been consistent for a long time now.'
Caluori and Kloska Poised for Debuts
The 19-year-old Saracens wing Noah Caluori, this season's top try-scorer in the domestic Premiership, is also set for a second-half role. His aerial ability is noted, and with Cadan Murley injured, Borthwick has moved Tommy Freeman back to the right wing. Bristol prop George Kloska completes the trio of potential debutants on the bench.
Starting XV Changes and Recent Form
Henry Slade returns to the starting XV, and Guy Pepper replaces Tom Curry, who drops to the bench. England are seeking to regroup after a 45-21 loss to South Africa in Johannesburg, their fifth successive Test defeat. Fly-half Fin Smith described the team as 'soft defensively' after that match.
Another loss would heap pressure on Borthwick's regime, especially as Fiji lost 39-24 to Wales in the opening round of the new Nations Championship. Borthwick acknowledged the challenge: 'We know Fiji will provide a tough challenge. They are a dangerous side who will demand the very best from us.'
