TOKYO, 24 Oct - Fly-half George Ford has been recalled to the England team to face New Zealand in the semi-final in Yokohama on Saturday.

England coach Eddie Jones has made just one change to the team that defeated Australia in the quarter-final, with Ford, above, brought back to steer the attacking ship.

With New Zealand offering a different threat in midfield to the Wallabies, Jones has taken the opportunity to bring back Ford, England’s most consistent player in the tournament, believing the fly-half’s lighter frame will not create an avenue for the All Blacks to attack.

It means captain Owen Farrell, who kicked eight successive goals against the Wallabies, moves to inside-centre alongside Manu Tuilagi, with Henry Slade dropping down to the replacements.

In the pack, tough-tackling Courtney Lawes has held off the challenge of George Kruis, who is recognised as England’s best lineout technician. The Saracens forward’s skills will be needed at some stage against an All Blacks side that will have a significant height advantage having picked Scott Barrett, normally a second-row, at blindside flanker.

Mark Wilson, who has spent most of the tournament providing training opposition for the starting 23, is chosen amongst the replacements instead of Lewis Ludlam, while number eight Billy Vunipola will win his 50th cap.

1. Mako Vunipola
2. Jamie George
3. Kyle Sinckler
4. Maro Itoje
5. Courtney Lawes
6. Tom Curry
7. Sam Underhill
8. Billy Vunipola
9. Ben Youngs
10. George Ford
11. Jonny May
12. Owen Farrell (capt.)
13. Manu Tuilagi
14. Anthony Watson
15. Elliot Daly

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Joe Marler
18. Dan Cole
19. George Kruis
20. Mark Wilson
21. Willi Heinz
22. Henry Slade
23. Jonathan Joseph

RNS cj/icr