Launchbury to start for England

Published: 11:08 AM November 23, 2012 Updated: 6:41 PM November 7, 2020

Former St John’s School pupil Joe Launchbury will start his first Test for England in Saturday’s third QBE International against South Africa at Twickenham Stadium (2.30pm, live on SkySports HD).

The 21-year-old London Wasps lock has impressed off the bench against Fiji and Australia and gets his chance in a side showing six changes.

Tom Wood (Northampton Saints) and Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby) take over from Tom Johnson and Thomas Waldrom at No 6 and 8 respectively, while Alex Corbisiero comes in for Joe Marler at loosehead prop.

Mike Brown (Harlequins) replaces Charlie Sharples on the left wing and Ben Youngs partners Leicester Tigers’ team-mate Toby Flood at halfback.

There are also call-ups to the bench for the first time in this series for James Haskell, Mouritz Botha and Jonathan Joseph.

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England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We have picked a team that will give us the best chance of beating South Africa. There were some tight calls, which is what you want as coaches, but the players we have brought into start have been training well, will bring a real motivation to make the most of their opportunity and will suit the challenge we face against a tough and physical South African team.”

London Wasps lock Tom Palmer is continuing to be treated for a mild calf injury.