England’s Smith and Curry to start in bronze medal Argentina game

PARIS, France – Marcus Smith will start at fullback for England in the bronze medal match against Argentina on Friday, while Sam Underhill will join Tom Curry in the back row.

Smith missed England’s semi-final against South Africa as he followed return-to-play protocols following a bruising quarter-final against Fiji. Curry gets the nod at blindside flanker in what will be his 50th cap alongside Underhill, who replaced Jack Willis through injury late on and gets his first World Cup action at openside flanker.

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Elsewhere, England’s most capped player of all time, Ben Youngs, starts at scrum-half in what is likely to be his final test match for England alongside captain Owen Farrell. Theo Dan starts at hooker alongside Bevan Rodd as a loosehead prop, while Will Stuart is as a tighthead prop.

At the back, Henry Arundell – who scored five tries against Chile – is on the wing with Freddie Steward on the other flank, while Smith anchors the team at the back.

Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, George Ford (vice-captain) and Ollie Lawrence make up the bench.

“After the disappointment of last weekend’s game against South Africa, it is important that we play again this Friday with the determination and dedication that almost got the team the result we wanted ” said Steve Borthwick.

“The bronze final gives us a great opportunity to end the tournament on a positive note, to continue building for the future and to give our fans one last chance to support the team here in Paris. The players are looking forward to this match. challenge against what will be a strong Argentinian team.

“Our support from the many England fans, both at home and those who traveled to France to see the team play, has been nothing short of fantastic. We are incredibly grateful for your support and on behalf of everyone England team, I would like to thank you once again.

England

Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Henry Arundell, Owen Farrell (captain), Ben Youngs; Ellis Genge, Theo Dan, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Ben Earl.

Replacements: Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence.