By RugbyFan
September 20 2019

England finally get start their Rugby World Cup campaign!    Good Luck England

Sapporo Dome

Rugby World Cup 2019

England v Tonga 

Sunday 22 Sep., -   KO11:15am BST -  Sapporo Dome - Coverage? ITV & Radio 5 live, 

England Captain Owen Farrell will lead his side out and I am sure will be a very proud man this day.  George Ford starts at 10, Manu Tuilagi is named at outside centre with Elliot Daly, Jonny May and Anthony Watson making up the back three.    

England’s most capped scrum half Ben Youngs will start in his 90th match for his country.   

Joe Marler, Jamie George and Kyle Sinckler in the front row with Courtney Lawes and Maro Itoje chosen as the lock pairing.  Tom Curry will start at blindside flanker with Sam Underhill at open while Billy Vunipola is named at number 8.

Head Coach Eddie Jones said: “The focus this week has been about getting right for Tonga.  We have had a good seven days in Japan where we have acclimatised really well, our sleep patterns are good and the physical conditioning of the players is outstanding. We have been able to add a bit more on our team togetherness and cohesion too.

“Now it is about putting in a game plan against Tonga and it is important to be tactically right. We know they are going to be ferocious and full of pride and passion. They are a side if they get a bit of momentum they can be very dangerous and are well-coached by Toutai Kefu. They have a great World Cup record and we will need to be at our best on Sunday.

“I don’t think there is anyone who isn’t excited about getting out there on Sunday and there is a good feeling around the place. We are delighted to be up here in Sapporo and to play at the stadium will be a unique experience for us and something the team is looking forward to.”

England:  15 Elliot Daly, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Owen Farrell (c), 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 1 Joe Marler, 2 Jamie George, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 4 Courtney Lawes, 5 Maro Itoje, 6 Tom Curry, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Billy Vunipola.

Replacements;  16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Dan Cole, 19 George Kruis, 20 Lewis Ludlam, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 Henry Slade, 23 Jonathan Joseph.

Tonga:  15. David Halaifonua, 14. Atieli Pakalani, 13. Siale Piutau (c), 12. Cooper Vuna, 11. Viliami Lolohea, 10. Kurt Morath, 9. Sonatane Takulua; 1. Siegfried 'Fisiihoi, 2. Sosefo Sakalia, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Sam Lousi, 5. Halaleva Fifita, 6. Sione Kalamafoni, 7. Zane Kapeli, 8. Maama Vaipulu.

Replacements:  16. Siua Maile, 17. Latu Talakai,  18. Ma'afu Fia, 19. Dan Faleafa, 20. Nasi Manu, 21. Leon Fukofuka, 22. James Faiva, 23. Nafi Tu'itavake.