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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Spink

England announce XV to face New Zealand as Eddie Jones hands Owen Farrell 100th cap

Eddie Jones has named an England team which he Insists is "ready to go at" New Zealand in Saturday's World Cup semi-final rematch.

Owen Farrell wins his 100th cap in a back line showing two changes with the return from injury of right wing Jack Nowell and centre Manu Tuilagi in place of Joe Cokanasiga and Guy Potter respectively.

In a major vote of confidence for Jack van Poortvliet, the Leicester scrum-half is preferred to his vastly experienced club mate Ben Youngs.

Up front Jones has reshaped his back five, dropping lock david Ribbans after his debut against Japan and moving Maro Itoje into the second row. Sam Simmonds switches from No8 to blindside flanker with Billy Vunipola returning to the starting line-up at No8 in a power-packed unit.

Jones said: "New Zealand have had the upper hand over the years, but it’s been more balanced in recent times and the players have a chance to play their part in history.

“We’ve had a great week preparing for the game and the team is ready to go at them.

“We’re really pleased for Owen that he is reaching such a significant and special milestone. He is an excellent player and competitor and he is deserving of every cap."

Eddie Jones has announced his team to face New Zealand (Alex Davidson - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

ENGLAND XV

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)
14. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 43 caps)
13. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 48 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 99 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 70 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 15 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 5 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 41 caps)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 39 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 54 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 60 caps)
5. Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks, 17 caps)
6. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 16 caps)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 43 caps)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 66 caps)

FINISHERS
16. Jamie George (Saracens, 70 caps)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 72 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 23 caps)
19. David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
20. Jack Willis (unattached, 5 caps)
21. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 119 caps)
22. Guy Porter (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps)
23. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 50 caps)

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