England coach Eddie Jones resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes to his team for Saturday’s second Test against the Springboks in Bloemfontein‚ naming just two changes to the starting line-up. New Zealander Brad Shields‚ who qualifies for England through his parents‚ starts at flank in place of Chris Robshaw while lock Joe Launchbury returns after injury. The 20-year-old Nick Isiekwe‚ who was substituted after 36 minutes in the first Test‚ has been axed to accommodate Launchbury. Robshaw falls out of the squad altogether, while mercurial flyhalf Danny Cipriani is on the bench for his first taste of Test action since 2015. "Based on SA’s likely selection of an extra line-out jumper‚ we’ve decided to start with Brad Shields, which improves our line-out‚" Jones said. "It’s tough on Chris Robshaw‚ who has been an outstanding player for us‚ but I know he’ll bounce back. "Cipriani will come on to the bench. We’re looking for something a little bit different, which he can bring....
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.