Dave Attwood will captain England Saxons against South Africa ‘A’ this Friday in Bloemfontein, in a team also featuring his Bath Rugby teammates Semesa Rokoduguni and Charlie Ewels.
The starting 15 features a wealth of senior England experience, with a total of 60 caps shared among the side, led by Attwood, who partners Saxons debutant Ewels in the second row. Rokoduguni starts on the wing.
Ollie Devoto - who joins Exeter Chiefs from Bath next season - and Tommy Taylor, who both came off the bench to gain their first England caps in the recent Old Mutual Wealth Cup victory against Wales, are among the names starting on Friday.
Saxons will play South Africa’s second team for the first time at Bloemfontein’s Free State stadium, kicking off at 6.10pm BST with the match broadcast live on Sky Sports 3.
"We’re really pleased with how the group is progressing together," said Head Coach Ali Hepher.
"We’re developing the players, which is key to this tour, and we now want to see how they perform on the international stage.
“We want to see a team that doesn’t hold back, that is fearless in the way it puts itself out there, but is also very accurate, playing smart rugby with or without the ball.”
The side play South Africa ‘A’ twice, with their second game taking place at Outeniqua Park in George on Friday 17 June (KO 6.10pm BST).
England Saxons match-day 23 for first game against South Africa ‘A’
15. Mike Haley
14. Alex Lewington
13. Nick Tompkins
12. Ollie Devoto
11. Semesa Rokoduguni
10. Danny Cipriani
9. Dan Robson
1. Alec Hepburn
2. Tommy Taylor
3. Kieran Brookes
4. Dave Attwood (C)
5. Charlie Ewels
6. Donovan Armand
7. Matt Kvesic
8. Sam Jones
Replacements
16. George McGuigan
17. Ross Harrison
18. Jake Cooper-Woolley
19. Mitch Lees
20. Dave Ewers
21. Micky Young
22. Sam James
23. Christian Wade
