
Northampton's David Ribbans has made 19 appearances in EPCR competitions, scoring two tries
Northampton Saints lock David Ribbans will make his England debut in Saturday’s Test against Japan at Twickenham Stadium.
Ribbans, who is set to be a key part of Northampton’s Heineken Champions Cup campaign, comes in as one of five changes made by head coach Eddie Jones following last Sunday’s 30-29 defeat to Argentina.
The other four incoming players are also set to feature in this season’s Heineken Champions Cup, with Leicester Tigers duo Guy Porter and Jack van Poortvliet lining up at outside centre and scrum-half respectively, Exeter Chiefs’ Sam Simmonds brought in at No.8 and Gloucester Rugby’s Jonny May named on the wing.
Leicester full-back Freddie Steward keeps his starting berth, with wing Jack Nowell and hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie the other Exeter stars in the XV.
Saracens’ Owen Farrell remains at inside centre with his clubmate Maro Itoje at blindside flanker, while Harlequins’ Marcus Smith is at fly-half.
Sale Sharks lock Jonny Hill and flanker Tom Curry retain their starting places, with Saracens hooker Jamie George named among the replacements as he returns from injury.
Meanwhile, Montpellier Hérault Rugby lock Bastien Chalureau and Stade Rochelais prop Reda Wardi could make their France debuts after being named on the bench for Saturday’s clash with South Africa in Marseille. The starting XV is unchanged from last Saturday’s 30-29 win over Australia.