Front row<\/p>\n
1. Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Joe Heyes<\/p>\n
Moore has opted for experience and aggression in the front row, believing England need battle-hardened forwards capable of standing up to South Africa\u2019s formidable scrum and physical ball carrying. With injuries limiting Borthwick\u2019s options, he believes Ellis Genge and Jamie George are automatic selections, while Joe Heyes gets the nod at tighthead.<\/p>\n
On Genge, Moore wrote:<\/p>\n
\u201cNo real point in looking beyond England\u2019s most combative prop, who will need to bring both his scrummaging and carrying to the fore.\u201d<\/p>\n
Explaining his decision to start Jamie George, he added:<\/p>\n
\u201cFor this game, George\u2019s experience is needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Heyes, Moore admitted the selection was largely dictated by availability.<\/p>\n
\u201cEngland\u2019s injury problems make this an easy choice, but the bench cover is a different matter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Second row<\/p>\n
4. Alex Coles
5. George Martin<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On Coles, Moore said:<\/p>\n
\u201cA candidate for man of the match in the Prem final.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added:<\/p>\n
\u201cColes has made an impact in almost every start since his return from his ankle injury.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Martin, Moore wrote:<\/p>\n
\u201cMartin\u2019s solidity and physical approach has been missed and will be crucial in fronting up against the Springboks pack.\u201d<\/p>\n
Back row<\/p>\n
6. Ollie Chessum (captain)
7. Tom Curry
8. Henry Pollock<\/p>\n
Moore has selected a back row built to match South Africa\u2019s size and physicality, handing the captaincy to Ollie Chessum in Maro Itoje\u2019s absence while backing Tom Curry\u2019s work rate and throwing Henry Pollock straight into one of the toughest Tests in world rugby.<\/p>\n
Explaining Chessum\u2019s selection, Moore said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThis selection is based on matching South Africa\u2019s bulk up front rather than trying to outrun it.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added:<\/p>\n
\u201cA genuine third line-out option should give England flexibility to deliver ball from the tail.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Curry, Moore simply wrote:<\/p>\n
\u201cHard graft from a hard player.\u201d<\/p>\n
The biggest talking point, however, is Pollock\u2019s inclusion ahead of Ben Earl.<\/p>\n
\u201cI realise this is the most controversial pick but, at some point, Pollock has to be given a start against the best opponents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moore concluded:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know what Ben Earl will do from the bench, but Pollock\u2019s inclusion will certainly spark the confrontations that England need to embrace.\u201d<\/p>\n
EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n
QUIZ: Can you name all 26 teams to have played at the Men\u2019s Rugby World Cups?<\/p>\n
Think you know your rugby history? Test your knowledge and see if you can name all 26 teams that have played at the Men\u2019s Rugby World Cup. <\/p>\n
You\u2019ve got just\u00a05 minutes\u00a0on the clock \u2013 no pressure!\u00a0<\/p>\n