Roko wings in for England
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Loading...Semesa Rokoduguni will make his England debut in Saturday’s QBE International against New Zealand at Twickenham (kick-off 2.30pm, live on Sky Sports 2 HD).
Named on the right wing, 27-year-old British Army lance corporal is given a chance to build on some superb Aviva Premiership form for Bath Rugby, which has seen him score six tries.
Clubmate Dave Attwood, whose fiancée Bridget gave birth to their first child on Tuesday, starts his first Test for England since the tour to Argentina in June 2013.
Brad Barritt is handed the number 13 shirt, partnering Kyle Eastmond in a new-look midfield, while Anthony Watson is included in the match-day 23 for the first time to swell the number of Bath players to seven.
In the pack, a back row of Tom Wood, skipper Chris Robshaw and No.8 Billy Vunipola makes its seventh start as a combination. Finally, George Kruis will also make his international bow if he enters the fray from the replacements’ bench.
England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “I am delighted for Roko. Wing is an extremely competitive position but he has pushed himself forward with his form this season and it’s great to be able to give him this opportunity.
“The same is true with Anthony Watson and George Kruis. I am sure they will contribute should they come off the bench.
“Dave Attwood has had an eventful week with the birth of his first child and congratulations to him and his fiancée Bridget. He’s back with us now and will be ready to go for Saturday.”
England will be back at Twickenham for the first time since beating Ireland 13-10 in March and Lancaster added: “The atmosphere is superb and the fans really give us a boost. We can’t wait for the walk from the coach to the changing room for what will be another great occasion.”
England team to face New Zealand
15. Mike Brown (Harlequins, 29 caps)
14. Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
13. Brad Barritt (Saracens, 18 caps)
12. Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 7 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens,25 caps)
9. Danny Care (Harlequins, 48 caps)
1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 22 caps)
2. Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints, 57 caps)
3. David Wilson (Bath Rugby, 37 caps)
4. Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby, 12 caps)
5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 32 caps)
6. Tom Wood (Northampton Saints, 30 caps)
7. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 28 caps, captain)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 10 caps)
Replacements
16. Rob Webber (Bath Rugby, 8 caps)
17. Matt Mullan (Wasps, 5 caps)
18. Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
19. George Kruis (Saracens, uncapped)
20. Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby, 23 caps)
21. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 38 caps)
22. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
23. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, uncapped)
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