England makes significant changes for Japan match this Saturday

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 12, 2026, 6:10 PM

Last updated Nov 12, 2026

England makes significant changes for Japan match this Saturday
Summary

England will face Japan on Saturday with a revised squad, featuring three players in the same positions as in their previous match against Australia. Head coach Steve Borthwick has made 10 personnel changes and two positional adjustments, introducing rookies Will Joseph and Max Ojomoh. Henry Pollock earns a second start at No 8, and Northampton's Archie McParland may debut from the bench. This reshuffle comes amid injuries and the necessity to rest some players, as the team prepares for aspirations toward the World Cup.

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  • •Steve Borthwick announces 10 changes for Japan match
  • •Rookies Will Joseph and Max Ojomoh start
  • •Henry Pollock makes second start at No 8
  • •Archie McParland in line for debut from bench
  • •Match scheduled for Saturday, November 14
Latest Updates
  • 6:10 PMThe Guardian Sport — Much-changed England told to ignore World Cup and put team first against Japan
What they're saying
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Just three retained in same positions from Australia game ‘We want the very best of every one of these guys,’ says Itoje England’s World Cup hopefuls have been warned not to go off script when auditioning for a place on the plane next year after Steve Borthwick rang the changes to his side to face Japan on Saturday, handing starts to rookies Will Joseph and Max Ojomoh as well as Henry Pollock. Borthwick has made 10 personnel and two positional changes to his team to play Eddie Jones’s side with a glut of injuries, a handful of players in need of a rest and the head coach’s determination to give those such as Joseph and Ojomoh, who line up on the right wing and inside centre respectively, the chance to shine. Pollock makes his second start, coming in at No 8, while the Northampton scrum-half Archie McParland is in line for a debut from the bench. Continue reading...

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