GOOD GOODE

Alex Goode and Semesa Rokoduguni to start as England boss Eddie Jones makes three changes for Fiji clash

Tom Wood also sent back to Northampton leaving Teimana Harrison and Nathan Hughes to fight for his No 7 shirt

ALEX GOODE and Semesa Rokoduguni are finally being handed first England starts under Eddie Jones.

Premiership's player-of-the-year and European Cup winner Goode has only featured ONCE previously during Jones' 10 games in charge.

Advertisement
Alex Goode is finally being handed a first start under Eddie JonesCredit: Getty Images
Semesa Rokoduguni is back in the side for the first time in two yearsCredit: Getty Images

Tom Wood's recall lasted just one game as he was sent back to Northampton Saints - Teimana Harrison will fight it out with Nathan Hughes for his No 7 shirt.

Saracens full-back Goode will join Bath's Rokoduguni who makes just his second cap - 742 days after his debut.

The winger's club teammate Jonathan Joseph is the final of three changes to the side to face Fiji.

No 8 Billy Vunipola made a miraculous return to training on Tuesday - just 12 hours after being ruled out for four days with 'upper body soreness'.

Advertisement

But with the good news came that bad that Fiji-born back-row Nathan Hughes was suffering from a 'lower leg' problem and wouldn't train until Thursday.

Cagey England chiefs refused to give any more information on the problems that had hit two of their most devastating ball carriers.

Tom Wood has been sent back to NorthamptonCredit: Getty Images

RELATED STORIES

SCRUM HALF A CHICKEN
Ex-rugby stars 'in Nando's brawl with teens & one punched in head'
CRUNCH CLASHES
Rugby Autumn Internationals 2024 on TV: How to watch all the ties
ENG 20 RSA 29
Pressure grows on Borthwick as Red Rose suffer five straight defeats
England 20 S Africa 29
Red Rose edged out again as Springboks inflict fifth straight defeat

Although winger Jonny May was rested alongside Mike Brown on Tuesday - England say May is fit to play his second autumn international with Harlequins man Brown a contender for the bench.

Advertisement

With Rokoduguni also back in for the first time in two years Bath teammate Ford reckons Fiji are in for a fright.

Eddie Jones will likely make four changes for the gameCredit: Getty Images

The fly-half said: "Roko is probably the most dangerous player I have ever played with and the best finisher I have ever played with.

"Especially this year with Bath, you give him the ball in a bit of space you can see what he can do.

Advertisement

"People see his unbelievable finishing quality but he is a great guy to have on your team. If he plays, we will be looking to get the ball in his hands as much as possible. He is a great lad. He is pretty quiet but likes a laugh and a joke every now and again."

LIKELY ENGLAND SIDE TO FACE FIJI: Goode, Rokoduguni, Joseph, Farrell, May, Ford, Youngs; M.Vunipola, Hartley (c), Cole, Launchbury, Lawes, Robshaw, Hughes, B.Vunipola.

Advertisement
Topics
Advertisement
machibet777.com