England Recall Henry Slade for Crucial Fiji Clash

LONDON: (Sports Desk) – England have recalled experienced centre Henry Slade for Saturday’s crucial Nations Championship match against Fiji in Liverpool as head coach Steve Borthwick looks to end his side’s five-match losing streak.

Slade was left out throughout England’s disappointing Six Nations campaign, during which the team lost four of its five matches. However, the 33-year-old impressed with Exeter during the domestic season and delivered a strong performance off the bench in England’s 45-21 defeat to world champions South Africa in the Nations Championship opener last week.

His return sees Tommy Freeman move back to his preferred position on the wing after spending the past year adapting to an outside-centre role.

The only other change to England’s starting lineup is at openside flanker, where Guy Pepper replaces Tom Curry, who has been named among the substitutes.

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Marcus Smith retains his place at full-back after stepping into the starting side following George Furbank’s appendicitis, which ruled him out of the remainder of the July fixtures.

England could also hand Test debuts to uncapped trio Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Noah Caluori and George Kloska, all of whom have been included on the bench.

Although Fiji suffered a 39-24 defeat to Wales in their opening Nations Championship match, they have previously shown they can trouble England, having defeated them 30-22 in a World Cup warm-up match three years ago.

Borthwick has largely retained the side that lost to South Africa, underlining the importance of Saturday’s contest before England travel to face Argentina next weekend.

“We’ve had a really positive week of preparation, and the players have worked hard in training,” Borthwick said.

“We know Fiji will provide a tough challenge. They are a dangerous side who will demand the very best from us.”

Although the fixture will be played at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, it is officially designated as a Fiji home match, with the Pacific Islanders hosting their July fixtures in Britain for financial reasons.