England Rugby Squad Features Debut and New Wing Pairing for France Clash
Benhard Janse van Rensburg is set to make his debut for the England national team, appearing off the bench in Friday night’s uncapped fixture against France. Alongside him in the back three, Noah Caluori has been selected to start on the wing.
Janse van Rensburg becomes eligible to represent England at Test level following the first Nations Championship match against South Africa on July 4th. While he is anticipated to feature in the subsequent match against Fiji a week later, his availability for Friday’s game in Vannes is confirmed due to its uncapped status.
Back Three and Midfield Dynamics
The 19-year-old Caluori, who previously represented England A in November, will form the back three alongside Harlequins teammates Marcus Smith, positioned at full-back, and Cadan Murley on the left wing.
In the midfield, Max Ojomoh occupies the outside centre position. He is one of four players from Premiership play-off-contending teams included in the starting lineup. Ted Hill, George Martin, and Charlie Ewels complete this quartet.
Gloucester’s Seb Atkinson will partner Ojomoh in the centre. Notably, no players from the Premiership finalists have been selected for this match. Several semi-finalists, such as Joe Heyes and Ollie Chessum, have also been given a rest.
Forward Pack and Half-Backs
George Ford will captain the side from fly-half, with Harry Randall partnering him as the scrum-half. The front row comprises Asher Opoku-Fordjour at loosehead prop, supported by hooker Theo Dan and tighthead prop George Kloska.
Charlie Ewels starts in the second row. Despite their respective injury histories, George Martin has been selected to partner Ewels in the engine room. Tom Curry also starts at openside flanker, joining Ted Hill and Alex Dombrandt in the back row.
Replacements and Strategic Choices
The replacements include Jamie Blamire, who will provide cover at hooker alongside Beno Obano and Vilikesa Sela in the front row.
Nick Isiekwe and Jack Kenningham complete the forward contingent on the bench, part of a 5:3 split. This formation marks the first time head coach Steve Borthwick has opted for this bench composition since the victory over the United States in Washington D.C. last year.
The back replacements consist of Raffi Quirke, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, and Adam Radwan.
Upcoming Fixtures and Opponent Squad
England is scheduled to face Fabien Galthié’s uncapped French side this Friday. This match precedes a series of Tests in July against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina.
France’s head coach, Galthié, has named a formidable squad for the encounter, featuring Bordeaux centres Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortère, alongside players such as Théo Attissogbé, Nolan Le Garrec, and Mikaël Guillard.
England Team to Face France:
15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
14. Noah Caluori (Saracens)
13. Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby)
12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby)
11. Cadan Murley (Harlequins)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks) – captain
9. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears)
1. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
2. Theo Dan (Saracens)
3. George Kloska (Bristol Bears)
4. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby)
5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
6. Ted Hill (Bath Rugby)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Replacements:
16. Jamie Blamire (Leicester Tigers)
17. Beno Obano (Bath Rugby)
18. Vilikesa Sela (Bath Rugby)
19. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)
20. Jack Kenningham (Harlequins)
21. Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks)
22. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears)
23. Adam Radwan (Leicester Tigers)
