Sam Burgess, Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell set to play for England against Wales in Rugby World Cup with George Ford axed

  • Sam Burgess set to be given the nod at centre for England on Saturday
  • Burgess will line up at centre alongside Brad Barritt against Wales
  • Owen Farrell set to replace George Ford at No 10 at Twickenham
  • Billy Vunipola is set to replace injured No 8 Ben Morgan
  • Rugby World Cup 2015: CLICK HERE for all the latest RWC news

By Chris Foy for the Daily Mail

Published: 15:35 EST, 22 September 2015 | Updated: 06:25 EST, 23 September 2015

Sam Burgess will be unleashed in England’s starting team against Wales on Saturday and George Ford is to be ousted at fly-half by Owen Farrell for the World Cup showdown at Twickenham.

Just one game into the campaign, the host nation are ripping up their pre-tournament plans in midfield, in light of an injury to Jonathan Joseph which will keep the Bath centre out of this crunch Pool A fixture.

Sportsmail understands that when Stuart Lancaster names his line-up on Thursday, the head coach will unveil an overhauled 10-12-13 combination of Farrell, Burgess and Brad Barritt.

And it is understood that Billy Vunipola will replace No 8 Ben Morgan who has struggled with a knee injury sustained in the Fiji clash.

Sam Burgess is set to be named at centre for England in their clash with Wales on Saturday at Twickenham

Sam Burgess is set to be named at centre for England in their clash with Wales on Saturday at Twickenham

It is a stunning development for Burgess, just 11 months after he crossed codes to play rugby union.

He has thrived most in the back row at Bath but England have continued to regard him as a midfield candidate and he has made great strides during the summer training camp. One Test start to date and two cameos off the bench have showcased his tackling power and ball-carrying clout, and Lancaster will expect him to match the threat posed by the mighty Welsh Lion Jamie Roberts.

For Ford, however, this is an alarming and surprising setback. He was first-choice playmaker during the Six Nations when Farrell — his long-term friend — was injured, and he gave the national team added attacking potency, as best illustrated in the last-day try-spree against France.

Burgess in training for England at their Pennyhill Park base in Bagshot on Tuesday

Burgess in training for England at their Pennyhill Park base in Bagshot on Tuesday

Owen Farrell will also step into Stuart Lancaster's starting XV for the game against Wales on Saturday

Owen Farrell will also step into Stuart Lancaster's starting XV for the game against Wales on Saturday

Despite a wobble during the warm-up game in Paris last month, Ford went into this World Cup as the trusted incumbent, so this is a shock demotion.

What appears to have counted against him is that, tactically, England lost their way in the win over Fiji last Friday, allowing the Pacific islanders back into the contest to the point where an upset was a distinct possibility. 

The hosts gained extra impetus when their replacements came on in the second half, with Farrell providing direction and composure, and the likes of Burgess and Billy Vunipola leading a renewed charge towards the visitors’ line.

The enforced withdrawal of Joseph will also have counted against Ford, as they operate so well in tandem as the creative hub of the team.

Tuesday’s official line was that the outside centre was still in contention to feature against Wales, but in truth he has already been counted out.

Defence coach Andy Farrell said: ‘It’s something and nothing. He has got a knock on his chest. If he is not fit it will not be more than a week anyway, probably.’

While determined to keep selection cards close to his chest, Farrell added: ‘We aren’t worried about any scenario. We are 100 per cent confident and comfortable with everyone.’

George Ford is set to be demoted from the starting line-up at the expense of Farrell

George Ford is set to be demoted from the starting line-up at the expense of Farrell

Ford (left) and Farrell (right) practiced for England at their Pennyhill Park base on Tuesday

Ford (left) and Farrell (right) practiced for England at their Pennyhill Park base on Tuesday

READ SIR CLIVE'S VERDICT 

Sir Clive Woodward believes Stuart Lancaster has made a big call in the midfield ahead of Wales 

It also emerged yesterday that Gloucester No 8 Ben Morgan had taken a bang on the knee during the victory over Fiji and was unable to train on Monday.

His place was already known to be under threat from a highly motivated Billy Vunipola, and now the Saracens back-rower is set to make his first World Cup start. 

The bench place vacated by Burgess will be filled by Saracens full back Alex Goode, who can also provide cover at No 10.

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