Rugby World Cup 2019: Nowell and Mako Vunipola return for Pumas clash

Mako Vunipola and Jack Nowell are set to make their first appearances at the Rugby World Cup after being named among the England replacements to face Argentina on Saturday.

Prop Vunipola and wing Nowell have recovered from hamstring and ankle injuries respectively to take their place in the matchday squad for the clash with the Pumas at Tokyo Stadium.

Owen Farrell returns to captain the side at inside centre, with Manu Tuilagi back at outside centre and fly-half George Ford keeping his spot after impressive showings against Tonga and the United States.

Eddie Jones makes just one alteration to the starting line-up for England’s opening match of the tournament versus Tonga, with lock George Kruis preferred to Courtney Lawes.

Ben Youngs will become his country’s third most capped player when he makes a 92nd appearance for England, who are a point clear of France at the top of Pool C.

ICYMI | Here’s your England team to take on Argentina in Tokyo on Saturday at the #RWC2019

Kick-off 9am BST live on @ITV

Read more: https://t.co/VKwGUGKeye#CarryThemHome #ENGvARG pic.twitter.com/kkLfFjxk0m

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 3, 2019

Jones said: “We are in Tokyo for the first time and the players are excited to be here and have had a good week’s preparation so far. We know Argentina are a very good team and our players will be ready for the game.  

“Argentina is a completely different team from others we have played so far in the pool stages and are always about the physical contest.

“This week it’s about getting our game right, our set-piece in a good place and making sure defensively we are organised and ready to find ways to score points against them.”

England team: Elliot Daly, Anthony Watson, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell, Jonny May, George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Henry Slade, Jack Nowell.

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