Cokanasiga, Joseph and Ludlam into England team as debutant McConnochie misses out

Ruaridh McConnochie will have to wait a little longer for his England debut after a hip injury forced him out against Wales.

The former Sevens star had been set to make his Test bow on the right wing in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup warm-up after just a single season in 15-a-side action.

But McConnochie is among three players to miss out with ailments, making room for Joe Cokanasiga, Jonathan Joseph and Lewis Ludlam to come into the team.

Cokanasiga replaces club colleague McConnochie on the wing, while fellow Bath team-mate Joseph – who had not been named in the 23 – plays at outside centre due to Henry Slade’s knee problem.

Sam Underhill, another Bath man, has a troublesome toe and makes way, with Tom Curry switching to openside flanker and Ludlam playing blindside.

Courtney Lawes and Manu Tuilagi have joined the matchday squad as replacements.

#ENGvWAL | Eddie Jones forced into three changes for tomorrow’s #QuilterInternationals opener against Wales

Here’s the updated squad…

More here: https://t.co/sqVJuiPCQI #CarryThemHome pic.twitter.com/fp9FYJaTDp

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 10, 2019

Revised England XV: Elliot Daly, Joe Cokanasiga, Jonathan Joseph, Piers Francis, Anthony Watson, George Ford (captain), Willi Heinz; Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Dan Cole, Joe Launchbury, Charlie Ewels, Lewis Ludlam, Tom Curry, Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: Jack Singleton, Joe Marler, Harry Williams, George Kruis, Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi.

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