Ben Earl replaces banned Billy Vunipola as England ring changes to face Fiji

Ben Earl has been handed the chance to stake his claim to fill the void left by Billy Vunipola after being named to start at No 8 in England’s final warm-up match against Fiji on Saturday with Tom Curry still conspicuous by his absence. Steve Borthwick has rung the changes to his side, fielding an eye-catching centre pairing of Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence, but it is Earl’s selection at the base of the scrum that stands out after Vunipola’s suspension.

Courtney Lawes captains the side as he wins his 100th cap while there is a first start of the summer for Jack Willis at openside flanker. Alex Mitchell comes in at scrum-half, having been summoned into the squad after Jack van Poortvliet’s injury. Jonny May, who is not part of the World Cup squad, is on the wing.

With Curry still nursing an ankle injury, Earl has the chance to impress with Vunipola ruled out of England’s World Cup opener against Argentina. Earl has impressed in his last two outings, at openside flanker, and offers a more dynamic threat to that of Vunipola but he has started at No 8 once for Saracens in the past two seasons.

George Ford retains the No10 jersey in a side that, on paper, looks capable of injecting some life into England’s attack after limp performances this summer. Max Malins and Freddie Steward – the only player to start all four of England’s warm-up fixtures – complete the backline with Danny Care, Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant providing cover from the bench.

Up front, Theo Dan makes his first England start at hooker while Ellis Genge and Dan Cole are the props. Having made his comeback from a long-term ankle injury in last week’s defeat by Ireland in Dublin, Ollie Chessum starts in the second row alongside Maro Itoje. On the bench, Jack Walker, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, David Ribbans and Lewis Ludlam complete the replacements.

“All of the Summer Nations Series Test matches have provided us with an opportunity to continue our preparations for the Rugby World Cup in France,'” said Borthwick. “Fiji have proven themselves to be a strong opposition and we look forward to what we expect to be an exciting and challenging game. Rest assured that we will be looking to convert the opportunities we have recently been creating week-on-week into points on the scoreboard.

“At this our last Test before heading to France, I want to thank our fans for all the support you continue to give us and it means a lot to us that you will be behind us all the way on our World Cup journey.”

Lawes becomes the fifth men’s player to reach a century of caps for England, having made his debut against Australia in 2009. “We couldn’t be prouder of Courtney on achieving his incredible milestone,” Borthwick said. “It has been a privilege to watch his journey and witness him develop into a truly outstanding rugby player. Not only is Courtney an exceptional talent and an excellent professional, he is also a brilliant role model for young players every time he steps on to the field.”