England take no risks against Lebanon

England have stuck with close to a full-strength team for Saturday's World Cup clash with minnows Lebanon, while other teams have made vital changes.

England captain Sean O'Loughlin

Captain Sean O'Loughlin says it's important that England are almost unchanged to face Lebanon. (AAP)

Wayne Bennett hasn't taken any selection risks for England's clash with minnows Lebanon, naming a near full-strength side for Saturday's Rugby League World Cup pool match.

While fellow top-tier nations Australia named four rookies and New Zealand brought in seven new faces for clashes with minnows Lebanon and Scotland this weekend, England remain on zero points and have confirmed they won't follow the same lead.

Only forward Alex Warmsley has been named to come into their side to replace the injured Sam Burgess, with coach Bennett otherwise sticking with an unchanged line-up.

England captain Sean O'Loughlin said it was important to do so as they seek a victory to kickstart their campaign.

"I think everyone who comes out here would like to play a part in it, but we've got to be playing well to do that," O'Loughlin said.

"Australia have got that luxury now because they've got that win, they've put in a decent performance so they can do that.

"We need to get a win against the Lebanese and then kick on and probably have a look after that."

Assuming Australia cruise past France on Friday and Lebanon next week, the English must ensure they beat both minnows to secure second spot in the group and a likely finals date with Papua New Guinea or Ireland.

A loss to either France or Lebanon would likely result in a much harder quarter-finals clash against the winner of Pool B - either New Zealand or Tonga.

But after Lebanon toppled France off the back of a classy performance from Mitchell Moses on Sunday, O'Loughlin said they couldn't afford to take the Cedars lightly.

"We're coming up against a tough Lebanon side who have already got a good win against the French," O'Loughlin said.

"They will be full of confidence. They've got plenty of NRL experience, quality players. If we underestimate them it's going to be a tough game."

Meanwhile France have brought Remy Marginet into the halves alongside Theo Fages for Friday night's match against the Kangaroos, at the expense of William Barthau following their loss to Lebanon.

Samoa have lost winger Peter Mata'utia to a quad injury for Saturday's crunch clash with Tonga, with Cronulla's Ricky Leutele coming into the side.

Tonga have also made changes, swapping Warriors Solomone Kata and David Fusitu'a in for Konrad Hurrell and Manu Vatuvei.

Fiji have brought Eloni Vunakece into their starting side after they lost prop Kane Evans for the tournament with a broken wrist, while former Shark Junior Roqica comes onto the bench.

Elsewhere Italy have replaced injured halfback Jack Johns (arm) with Ryan Ghietti for their clash with the USA, while Terry Campese is back at five-eighth from a calf issue.


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Source: AAP



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