In a remarkable turn of events, Tom Curry has been named in the England team to face Japan this Sunday at Twickenham, just two weeks after being knocked out during a game against Australia. Despite suffering his second concussion of the season and fifth in two years, Curry’s resilience and determination have earned him a spot in the starting lineup as blindside flanker.
The decision to include Curry in the squad comes as one of two changes made by head coach Steve Borthwick following England’s 29-20 defeat by South Africa last Saturday. Alongside Curry, George Furbank will also be returning as full-back, replacing Freddie Steward who has been dropped from the squad entirely.
With Japan known for their fast-paced playing style, less emphasis is placed on Steward’s aerial abilities, paving the way for Furbank to step up and showcase his skills. Borthwick will be looking for a stronger performance from Furbank, who will be acting as a second playmaker alongside Marcus Smith.
In another exciting development, Asher Opoku-Fordjour is expected to make his Test debut off the bench. The tighthead prop cover earned his spot in the squad after an impressive run with the England Under-20 team that clinched the junior World Cup over the summer. This resulted in veteran Dan Cole missing out on a bench spot, highlighting the rise of the young talent in England’s ranks.
The inclusion of Curry, Furbank, and Opoku-Fordjour brings a mix of experience and fresh talent to the England team as they prepare to face Japan. Despite the challenges they have faced, the players are ready to give their all on the pitch and make their mark in this upcoming matchup.
