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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Oli Gent

England: Steve Borthwick names squad for final Argentina Test with surprise inclusion

Steve Borthwick has made just the one change to his England XV as they prepare to face Argentina in their second Test on Saturday.

Luke Northmore, the Harlequins centre, comes in for his international debut in place of Henry Slade, whose hand injury from the first Test in Buenos Aires has brought an end to his summer campaign.

England emerged victorious from that first encounter, winning 35-12 at the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi last weekend. They will be hoping for two wins from two in San Juan.

Northmore, 28, played 15 matches across all competitions for Quins last term, and scored four tries.

Slade’s injury meant that Borthwick was forced either way to pick an uncapped centre, with Northmore, as well as his club-mate Oscar Beard and Bath’s Max Ojomah, the only specialists in midfield.

Seb Atkinson is the other centre, and he made his debut in La Plata for the first Test having put in a superb display against a France XV at Twickenham before the squad left for South America.

Wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is still suspended for this match after his high tackle against Les Bleus, although he will be available to face the United States in Washington in England’s next match on Saturday, July 19.

The replacements are also unchanged, but there is no alternative at fly-half, in case George Ford gets injured.

"The players have trained with real focus and intensity this week, determined to keep improving in every area,” Borthwick said.

"We're expecting a tactical battle as well as a tough, physical contest, and everyone is excited for what should be a fantastic Test match."

Confirmed England XV: Steward; Roebuck, Northmore, S Atkinson, Muir; Ford, Spencer; Baxter, George, Heyes, Ewels, Coles, B Curry, Underhill, T Willis.

Replacements: Dan, Rodd, Opoku-Fordjour, Cunningham-South, Pepper, Dombrandt, Van Poortvliet, Murley.

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