Janse Van Rensburg set for England XV chance
Marcus Smith starts at fullback for England XV
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Former Junior Springbok Benhard Janse van Rensburg is set for his first appearance in England XV colours after being named on the bench for Friday’s uncapped fixture against France XV at Stade de la Rabine in Vannes.
Benhard Janse Van Rensburg England XV Call-Up
Janse van Rensburg has been included among the replacements as England continue preparations for a busy international window. The Bristol Bears centre previously represented South Africa at junior level, coming off the bench for the Junior Springboks in 2016.
At the time, South Africa’s Under-20 side was treated as the country’s next senior representative team for eligibility purposes. He later received clearance to switch allegiance, allowing him to enter England’s wider selection pathway.
England XV Team To Face France XV
George Ford has been named captain for the England XV side, which features a mix of established internationals and players pushing for future Test opportunities. The fixture is uncapped, meaning it will not count as an official senior England Test appearance for van Rensburg or the other debutants.
Saracens winger Noah Caluori and Bristol Bears tighthead prop George Kloska are set to start. Bath tighthead Billy Sela and Harlequins flanker Jack Kenningham have also been named on the bench and could make their first England XV appearances.
England Rugby Preparations For Nations Championship
The match against France XV forms part of England’s build-up to the inaugural Nations Championship, which begins in July.
Head coach Steve Borthwick said the fixture would provide a demanding challenge and a valuable opportunity to assess the squad.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting challenge against a strong French team in what will be a demanding fixture,” said Borthwick.
“I’m eager to see this group get out there and show what they’re capable of. It’s a great opportunity to keep developing our game in the lead-up to the forthcoming Nations Championship.”
England XV: 15 Marcus Smith, 14 Noah Caluori, 13 Max Ojomoh, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 George Ford (c), 9 Harry Randall, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Ted Hill, 5 George Martin, 4 Charlie Ewels, 3 George Kloska, 2 Theo Dan, 1 Asher Opoku-Fordjour
Reserves: 16 Jamie Blamire, 17 Beno Obano, 18 Vilikesa Sela, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Jack Kenningham, 21 Raffi Quirke, 22 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 23 Adam Radwan
.jpg "Northampton Saints scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been ruled out of the remainder of season with a hamstring injury.")
