England have made three changes to their team for Saturday's crunch clash against Wales. It's one of the key games in Pool A, and could go a long way in deciding the outcome of the pool of death.
Lancaster has opted for power, with Sam Burgess and Billy Vunipola coming in for the injured duo of Ben Morgan and Jonathan Joseph. Suprisingly, Owen Farrell has been drafted in place of George Ford in the only other change to the side. Ford appeared to be the first choice option going into the tournament, but the talented outhalf will have to take his place on the bench.
It's a selection that points to a simple and direct gameplan, and it looks like England are following the template that allowed them to overpower the Welsh in the last two Six Nations games.
.@samburgess8, @owen_faz and @bvunipola in for pivotal clash against Wales http://t.co/0mdp9JbNBt#carrythemhome pic.twitter.com/uqvdYZ8ZPt
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) September 24, 2015
It's certainly a more defensive gameplan from Lancaster and the initial reaction from England fans has not been overly positive but in a game of this magnitude, it's perhaps not overly surprising to see the England coach go down this route.
@EnglandRugby what a joke!! Look at the bench, no pace in the backs, negative rugby!
— Alexander Mitchard (@alexmitchard811) September 24, 2015
@EnglandRugby What a terrible terrible negative decision. And no plan B with no Slade on the bench even. Why is he in the squad?
— Jake Johns (@JakeJohns) September 24, 2015
@EnglandRugby There is more creativity in the slice of toast I had this morning! Will still get behind them though! #carrythemhome
— Rugby Lad (@RugbyLad5) September 24, 2015
@EnglandRugby Poor show, very negative team that completely undermines the attacking threat we've built. Slade should've been given a chance
— joe (@_jxw_) September 24, 2015
It's probably the biggest game of the tournament so far, and the decider will take place in Twickenham at 8pm on Saturday. The victor will take a huge step towards the quarter-finals while the loser faces an uphill battle to qualify with Australia lurking.
See Also: Wales Are Being Investigated For Breach Of World Cup Rules
See Also: England Hit With Major Injury Blow For Remainder Of Pool Stage Games
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
