Henry Pollock Starts as Steve Borthwick Makes 10 Changes for England Against Japan

England Head Coach Steve Borthwick has named his starting XV for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against Japan, making ten changes to the side that defeated Australia 45-22 last weekend.

Henry Pollock, Max Ojomoh and Will Joseph are among the headline selections, while George Ford returns at fly-half for the first time since February as England prepare to face former Head Coach Eddie Jones at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The fixture takes place on Saturday, 14th November, with kick-off scheduled for 4:40pm. England currently sit second in the Northern Hemisphere standings and remain firmly in contention to reach the inaugural Nations Championship Final later this month.

Henry Pollock Rewarded With Starting Role Following Australia Performance

Northampton Saints back-row Henry Pollock has been handed just his second international start after an impressive performance in England’s opening autumn fixture against Australia.

The 21-year-old scored two tries after coming off the bench against the Wallabies, producing an excellent display despite spending much of his time playing out of position on the wing.

Pollock will now start at number eight against Japan, with Ben Earl moving to openside flanker and Alex Coles switching from the second row to blindside flanker.

His inclusion comes as Ollie Chessum remains unavailable with a shoulder injury sustained against Australia. The Northampton youngster will be looking to make another significant contribution as he continues to establish himself in Borthwick’s international plans.

George Ford Returns as Ojomoh and Joseph Earn Opportunities

George Ford’s inclusion at fly-half is another major selection decision, with the experienced Sale Sharks playmaker replacing Fin Smith, who has been left out of the matchday squad despite returning to full training.

Marcus Smith has been named among the replacements, providing cover in the backs, while Jack van Poortvliet retains his starting position at scrum-half.

Bath centre Max Ojomoh starts alongside Henry Slade in midfield following an impressive performance for England A against Argentina XV last Friday.

Ojomoh replaces the injured Seb Atkinson and has an opportunity to strengthen his case for further international involvement ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Meanwhile, Gloucester’s Will Joseph will make his first international start, having previously made his England debut in 2022. Joseph lines up on the right wing, with Cadan Murley selected on the opposite flank and Freddie Steward returning at full-back.

In the forwards, Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Asher Opoku-Fordjour form an entirely new starting front row, while George Martin partners captain Maro Itoje in the second row.

Northampton scrum-half Archie McParland could also make his senior England debut after being named among the replacements.

England Starting XV Against Japan

Starting XV:

Freddie Steward
Will Joseph
Henry Slade
Max Ojomoh
Cadan Murley
George Ford
Jack van Poortvliet
Henry Pollock
Ben Earl
Alex Coles
George Martin
Maro Itoje (Captain)
Asher Opoku-Fordjour
Luke Cowan-Dickie
Ellis Genge

Replacements: Theo Dan, Emmanuel Iyogun, Joe Heyes, Arthur Clark, Ben Curry, Greg Fisilau, Archie McParland and Marcus Smith.

England Looking to Build on Australia Victory Ahead of New Zealand Clash

England enter Saturday’s contest following an impressive 45-22 victory over Australia, with Pollock scoring twice and Jamie George also crossing the line in a convincing opening autumn performance.

Borthwick’s side currently occupy second place in the Northern Hemisphere Nations Championship standings, level on 15 points with third-placed Ireland and two points behind leaders France.

Victory against Japan would strengthen England’s position before their final group fixture against New Zealand on Saturday, 21st November.

However, Japan will arrive at Twickenham looking to cause an upset under former England Head Coach Eddie Jones, who returns to face the side he managed between 2015 and 2022.

England have an excellent recent record against Japan, winning their last meeting 59-14 in November 2024, but Borthwick will be aware of the threat posed by Jones’ side.

With the inaugural Nations Championship Finals Weekend taking place later this month, England have a genuine opportunity to compete for the competition’s first title.

For rugby supporters looking ahead to England’s upcoming fixtures, Eventmasters offers exclusive hospitality experiences for the Nations Championship and the 2027 Six Nations, including England’s highly anticipated meeting with France at the Allianz Stadium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is starting for England against Japan?

Steve Borthwick has made ten changes to England’s starting XV, with Henry Pollock, Max Ojomoh, Will Joseph and George Ford among those selected. Maro Itoje will captain the side.

When is England vs Japan in the Nations Championship?

England face Japan on Saturday, 14th November 2026, at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:40pm GMT.

Is Henry Pollock starting against Japan?

Yes. Henry Pollock will start at number eight after scoring two tries during England’s 45-22 victory over Australia. It will be his second international start.

Who is Japan’s Head Coach?

Former England Head Coach Eddie Jones is currently in charge of Japan. Jones previously managed England between 2015 and 2022, taking them to the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final.

When do England play New Zealand?

England will face New Zealand on Saturday, 21st November 2026, at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with kick-off scheduled for 2:10pm GMT.