Front row
1. Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Joe Heyes
Moore has opted for experience and aggression in the front row, believing England need battle-hardened forwards capable of standing up to South Africa’s formidable scrum and physical ball carrying. With injuries limiting Borthwick’s options, he believes Ellis Genge and Jamie George are automatic selections, while Joe Heyes gets the nod at tighthead.
On Genge, Moore wrote:
“No real point in looking beyond England’s most combative prop, who will need to bring both his scrummaging and carrying to the fore.”
Explaining his decision to start Jamie George, he added:
“For this game, George’s experience is needed.”
On Heyes, Moore admitted the selection was largely dictated by availability.
“England’s injury problems make this an easy choice, but the bench cover is a different matter.”
Second row
4. Alex Coles
5. George Martin
Moore believes Alex Coles and George Martin offer England the ideal blend of athleticism and physicality to compete with the Springboks. Coles is rewarded for his outstanding end to the Premiership season, while Martin returns to provide the hard edge England have missed during his absence.
On Coles, Moore said:
“A candidate for man of the match in the Prem final.”
He added:
“Coles has made an impact in almost every start since his return from his ankle injury.”
On Martin, Moore wrote:
“Martin’s solidity and physical approach has been missed and will be crucial in fronting up against the Springboks pack.”
Back row
6. Ollie Chessum (captain)
7. Tom Curry
8. Henry Pollock
Moore has selected a back row built to match South Africa’s size and physicality, handing the captaincy to Ollie Chessum in Maro Itoje’s absence while backing Tom Curry’s work rate and throwing Henry Pollock straight into one of the toughest Tests in world rugby.
Explaining Chessum’s selection, Moore said:
“This selection is based on matching South Africa’s bulk up front rather than trying to outrun it.”
He added:
“A genuine third line-out option should give England flexibility to deliver ball from the tail.”
On Curry, Moore simply wrote:
“Hard graft from a hard player.”
The biggest talking point, however, is Pollock’s inclusion ahead of Ben Earl.
“I realise this is the most controversial pick but, at some point, Pollock has to be given a start against the best opponents.”
Moore concluded:
“We know what Ben Earl will do from the bench, but Pollock’s inclusion will certainly spark the confrontations that England need to embrace.”
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