England have dropped Thomas Waldrom, Tom Johnson and Charlie Sharples for Saturday’s Test against South Africa at Twickenham. Forward Joe Marler is also out after straining medial ligaments in his knee in the 20-14 defeat against Australia.
James Haskell and Ben Morgan have both been included in the squad for the first time this autumn. London Irish centre Jonathan Joseph has taken Sharples’ place in the squad after shaking off an ankle injury.
bbc
Head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “The changes give opportunities to those who have been pushing hard and we feel will add energy and balance to the team.
“Unfortunately that means one or two players miss out who were in the matchday squad against Australia.
“But they have all added value with their contributions in training and the games and I am sure they will be looking to play well for their clubs and force their way back in.”
Lancaster will confirm his starting XV on Thursday.
Morgan and Haskell are in contention for the number eight shirt after Waldrom was left out, while Tom Wood looks set to to start at blindside flanker.
Alex Corbisiero has returned after overcoming a knee injury could replace Mako Vunipola at prop.
England squad to face South Africa:
Forwards: Mouritz Botha (Saracens), Alex Corbisiero (London Irish), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), James Haskell (London Wasps), Joe Launchbury (London Wasps), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), David Paice (London Irish), Tom Palmer (London Wasps), Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, capt), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), David Wilson (Bath Rugby), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
Backs: Chris Ashton (Saracens), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers), Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonathan Joseph (London Irish), Manusamoa Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)