England pick near-full-strength side for World Cup opener vs Tonga

England coach Eddie Jones selected Courtney Lawes to play alongside Maro Itoje in the second row on Friday when he named a strong side to face Tonga in Sunday’s rugby World Cup Pool C opener.

Perhaps with an eye on England’s four-day turnaround before their second match against the United States, Jones has benched Itoje’s regular partner George Kruis for the match at the Sapporo Dome.

In a full-strength backline, Elliot Daly got the nod at fullback with Anthony Watson named on the right wing and Jonny May rounding out the back three.

Powerhouse No.8 Billy Vunipola was included in a mobile back row with flankers Tom Curry and Sam Underhill, while George Ford starts at flyhalf with skipper Owen Farrell the second playmaker at inside centre.

Meanwhile, Nasi Manu completed a dream return to rugby after a battle with testicular cancer when he was named in the Tonga line-up.

The loose forward will back up Maama Vaipulu from the bench on Sunday after being given the nod by coach Toutai Kefu for his first test since June last year against the Pool C favourites.

Manu was diagnosed with cancer last year and underwent surgery and chemotherapy before being given the all-clear by his Italian doctors earlier this year.

The 31-year-old former Highlanders captain was named to lead Tonga during this year’s Pacific Nations Cup but was a late withdrawal with a pectoral injury.

Manu also missed Tonga’s final match ahead of the global showpiece against the All Blacks, which resulted in a morale-sapping 92-7 demolition at the hands of the world champions.

He was reduced to tears at the welcoming ceremony for Tonga in Japan earlier this week and told the tournament website there might be more when he gets on the pitch to face the 2003 world champions.

“(It’s) not only the surgery and chemotherapy, but also the physical battle to get myself in good enough shape,” he said.

“There would probably be more (tears) but I hope not. I need to tackle some big men and crying might come across as a sign of weakness.”

With first choice hooker Paula Ngauamo still struggling with a calf problem, Sosefo Sakalia will start in the middle of the front row after recovering from a rib injury.

Siua Maile, who was working as a roofer in Christchurch before being called into the World Cup squad for his test debut against the All Blacks earlier this month, was named as replacement hooker.

The backline will be marshalled by experienced five-eighth Kurt Morath with skipper Siale Piutau moving to outside centre to make way for midfield partner Cooper Vuna, who played two tests on the wing for Australia in 2012.

England: Elliot Daly, Anthony Watson, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (capt), Jonny May, George Ford, Ben Youngs, Billy Vunipola, Sam Underhill, Tom Curry, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler.

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Dan Cole, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Henry Slade, Jonathan Joseph.

Tonga: David Halaifonua, Atieli Pakalani, Siale Piutau (capt), Cooper Vuna, Viliami Lolohea, Kurt Morath, Sonatane Takulua, Maama Vaipulu, Fotu Lokotui, Sione Kalamafoni, Leva Fifita, Sam Lousi, Ben Tameifuna, Sosefo Sakalia, Siegfried Fisiihoi.

Replacements: Siua Maile, Latu Talakai, Ma’afu Fia, Dan Faleafa, Nasi Manu, Leon Fukofuka, James Faiva, Nafi Tu’itavake.