Daly starts for England against SAfrica

Elliot Daly will make his first start for England after Eddie Jones was forced to make a raft of changes for the rugby clash with South Africa at Twickenham.

England have named Elliot Daly in place of Jonathan Joseph at outside centre for the rugby autumn opener against South Africa at Twickenham.

Daly makes his full Test debut on Saturday after winning five caps as a replacement, forming a new midfield partnership alongside Owen Farrell that offers long-range left and right-footed kicking options.

It is the first time Joseph, a veteran of 25 internationals, has been dropped since establishing himself during the 2015 RBS Six Nations and he drops to the bench to provide centre and wing cover.

Tom Wood ends a year-long spell in the international wilderness that began after the 2015 World Cup by filling the void at openside created by a succession of injuries.

"We've picked a match-day 23 with a blend of experience and youth," head coach Eddie Jones said.

Daly was among the Aviva Premiership's most dangerous players last season with his acceleration and eye for an outside break terrorising defences to Wasps' benefit.

While Joseph relies on elusive footwork and a burst of speed to beat defenders, Daly's skill lies in gliding through gaps and he also provides a long-range boot out of hand and from the kicking tee.

Wood has been picked at seven ahead of Nathan Hughes with Jones opting for his work-rate, line-out expertise and experience over the explosive potential of the Wasps back row.

Hughes is one of three uncapped players featuring on the bench with Harlequins tighthead prop Kyle Sinckler and Worcester centre Ben Te'o also set to make their debuts when South Africa open the Old Mutual Wealth Series on Saturday.

Wing Jonny May also makes his first appearance since the World Cup following a year-long battle with a variety of injuries, lining up on the left with Marland Yarde patrolling the opposite flank.

There are six changes to the starting XV that toppled Australia 44-40 in Sydney in June, a win that sealed a 3-0 whitewash of the Wallabies.

Dylan Hartley captains a side containing 596 international caps as England seek their first victory over the Springboks since 2006, a winless streak that spans 12 Tests.

Hartley's Northampton teammate Courtney Lawes will win his 50th cap, having made his debut against Australia at Twickenham in 2009.

South Africa, who have not lost to England for 10 years, name their team for the Saturday game later on Thursday.

England: Mike Brown, Marland Yarde, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, Jonny May, George Ford, Ben Youngs; Billy Vunipola, Tom Wood, Chris Robshaw, Courtney Lawes, Joe Launchbury, Dan Cole, Dylan Hartley (capt), Mako Vunipola.

Reserves: Jamie George, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler Dave Attwood, Nathan Hughes, Danny Care, Ben Te'o, Jonathan Joseph.


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Source: AAP



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