Henry Slade returns as England make changes for must-win Fiji clash

Henry Slade has been restored to England’s starting XV for Saturday’s crucial meeting with Fiji, as head coach Steve Borthwick looks to end a run of five consecutive Test defeats.

The Exeter centre missed the entire Six Nations campaign earlier this year but returns to the midfield after an impressive domestic season, helping guide Exeter Chiefs to the Premiership final.

Slade, 33, had previously spoken about his frustration at being left out of England’s plans, but his form at club level has earned him a recall for a match that carries significant importance for Borthwick’s side.

His inclusion sees Northampton Saints’ Tommy Freeman move back to the wing, with the year-long experiment of converting him into an outside centre put on hold.

There is one further change to the starting XV, with Guy Pepper coming into the back row to replace Tom Curry at openside flanker.

England’s bench also features three potential Test debutants, with Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Noah Caluori and George Kloska all included among the replacements.

Slade was a late addition to the matchday squad for last weekend’s defeat by South Africa after starting full-back George Furbank was ruled out with appendicitis. He came off the bench in the 54^th minute to replace injured wing Cadan Murley, meaning England finished the match with the same backline they will field against Fiji.

Borthwick is expecting another demanding challenge from Fiji, who have developed a reputation as one of the most dangerous attacking teams in international rugby.

“We’ve had a really positive week of preparation, and the players have worked hard in training,” said Borthwick.

“We know Fiji will provide a tough challenge. They are a dangerous side who will demand the very best from us.”

England head into the fixture searching for a response after a disappointing run of results, which has included defeats by Scotland, Ireland, Italy and France during the Six Nations before last weekend’s 45-21 loss to South Africa.

Although Borthwick has received backing from Rugby Football Union bosses through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, another defeat would increase the pressure on the head coach and his players as they look to rebuild confidence.

England will round off their summer fixtures against Argentina on 18 July in the final round of the new Nations Championship.

England team to face Fiji:

15. Marcus Smith; 14. Tommy Freeman, 13. Henry Slade, 12. Fraser Dingwall, 11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; 10. Fin Smith, 9. Alex Mitchell; 1. Ellis Genge, 2. George, 3. Alex Heyes, 4. Charlie Coles, 5. George Martin, 6. Alex Chessum, 7. Guy Pepper, 8. Ben Earl.

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, George Kloska, Tom Curry, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Noah Caluori.