Key Highlights
- Only Henry Slade, Jack van Poortvliet and captain Maro Itoje retain their starting positions from England’s previous match.
- Fin Pollock makes only his second England start, while Alex Coles moves to blind-side flanker to strengthen the back row.
- England have won all six previous Tests against Japan, including a 52-17 victory in Tokyo in June 2024.
England Make Major Changes for Japan Test
Enforced absences have prevented England from naming an unchanged team after last weekend’s victory. Only centre Henry Slade, scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet and captain Maro Itoje keep their starting places in the same positions as England prepare to face Japan.
The reshaped lineup gives several players an important opportunity to strengthen their claims with the Rugby World Cup in Australia a year away. Among them is 21-year-old Fin Pollock, who has regularly made try-scoring appearances from the bench during his England career but has started only once before.
Pollock’s previous start came in England’s disappointing 42-21 home defeat by Ireland in February. England were heavily beaten at the breakdown in that match, and Pollock now faces the challenge of demonstrating his effectiveness in close-quarters play as well as in open space, although Japan represent a different and less demanding opposition.
Back-Row Changes Put Focus on Physicality
Pollock lined up alongside Ben Earl and Tom Curry against Ireland. This time, head coach Steve Borthwick has added greater physical presence to the back-row combination, moving Alex Coles to blind-side flanker in place of the injured Ollie Chessum.
The selection places emphasis on the detailed elements of England’s performance as well as the more visible attacking moments. Borthwick will be assessing how effectively the reshaped pack performs at the breakdown, in defensive work and around the contact area.
Ojomoh and Joseph Given Chance to Impress
Bath centre Max Ojomoh is also under scrutiny as he looks to meet Borthwick’s expectations beyond his obvious attacking qualities. Ojomoh’s passing ability and threat as a runner are established strengths, but England have been seeking greater defensive impact and more consistent work away from the ball.
If England secure the majority of possession as expected, Ojomoh’s ability to identify and deliver passes against an organised defence could create opportunities for the backline. His performance will be measured not only by attacking highlights but also by his contribution to England’s overall structure.
Gloucester back Ollie Joseph has been one of the standout players in his club’s resurgence this season. He has alternated between wing and midfield, and his selection gives England another versatile attacking option. Joseph’s older brother, Jonathan Joseph, won 54 England caps between 2012 and 2020.
England Team to Face Japan
England have won all six of their previous Tests against Japan. Their most recent meeting ended in a 52-17 England victory in Tokyo in June 2024.
England: Steward; Joseph, Slade, Ojomoh, Murley; Ford, Van Poortvliet; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Itoje, Martin, Coles, Earl, Pollock.
Replacements: Dan, Iyogun, Heyes, Clark, Curry, Fisilau, McParland, M Smith.
Why This Matters
England’s extensive changes make the Japan Test an important assessment opportunity for Steve Borthwick as he continues to develop his squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia. Injuries and absences have opened starting positions for players such as Fin Pollock, Max Ojomoh and Ollie Joseph, while Alex Coles’ move into the back row tests the balance and physicality of the pack.
The match will also show whether England can turn their expected possession advantage into a controlled performance while improving in areas that have previously attracted scrutiny, including breakdown efficiency, defence and off-the-ball work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many changes have England made to their starting lineup?
Only Henry Slade, Jack van Poortvliet and Maro Itoje retain their starting positions from England’s previous match. The rest of the starting lineup has been changed because of enforced absences and selection adjustments.
Has Fin Pollock started for England before?
Yes. The Japan Test will be Fin Pollock’s second England start. His only previous start came in the 42-21 home defeat by Ireland in February.
What is England’s record against Japan?
England have won all six previous Tests against Japan. Their latest meeting was a 52-17 victory in Tokyo in June 2024.
