Wasps centre Elliot Daly set for first England start against South Africa
England head coach Eddie Jones is set to spring a surprise and hand Wasps back Elliot Daly his first Test start during the opening clash of his side’s autumn programme against South Africa on Saturday.
The 24-year-old, who has won five Test caps as a replacement, is poised to start at outside centre in place of Bath’s Jonathan Joseph, forming a new midfield partnership with Owen Farrell.
Jones is set to name his starting XV this morning, and if Joseph is relegated to the bench it will be the first time he has been dropped since re-establishing himself in the team during the 2015 Six Nations.
England have not beaten South Africa in 12 matches, spanning 10 years, although former centre Hennie le Roux believes the Springboks are there for the taking at Twickenham this weekend.
“England, playing at home, I think will have the edge,” said Le Roux. “We accept that a lot of teams have improved greatly but there’s a real cause for concern that South African rugby is on a bit of a decline.”