Manu Tuilagi has been selected to start on the wing, while Marcus Smith was named at flyhalf for England’s highly anticipated Test against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.
In a surprise selection twist, coach Eddie Jones has picked Tuilagi, who is primarily a centre, on the right wing for the clash with the Wallabies with Jonny May on the left. Rookie Freddie Steward is the starting fullback.
In the midfield, outside centre Henry Slade is joined by captain Owen Farrell on his inside to accommodate the inclusion of Smith at No 10. Veteran scrumhalf Ben Youngs has retained his spot in the starting lineup.
Up front, Jones has selected a well-balanced pack, with flanks Courtney Lawes and Sam Underhill completing the back row with No 8 Tom Curry, Jonny Hill and Maro Itoje – who will earn his 50th Test cap – making up the second row. Hooker Jamie George will be scrumming down in the middle of props Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler in the front row.
Jones has also gone with a six-two split among the substitutes with scrumhalf Raphael Quirke and utility Max Malins as the only backs as cover off the bench.