QBE Internationals: England hand Anthony Watson his first start against South Africa

Stuart Lancaster feels Anthony Watson is ready for first England start

Anthony Watson will start his first international for England in Saturday’s QBE International against South Africa at Twickenham, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

Watson comes in for the injured Semesa Rokoduguni on the right wing in the only change to the starting line-up who lost 21-24  to New Zealand last Saturday.

Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes have successfully completed the Graduated Return To Play protocol after concussion scares and will take part in Thursday’s training session, while Marland Yarde replaces Watson on the bench.

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England head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “Anthony has been pushing hard for a while and has been in impressive form for Bath and in training with us.

"It was great that he got on against New Zealand and we feel he is ready to start. Equally, it’s good to have Marland back in the match-day 23.

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“Congratulations to Danny Care who will be winning his 50th cap. It’ll be a special moment for him and I am sure he will rise to the occasion.

"I know the players are looking forward to the challenge. South Africa have quality and experience across the park and it will be a big test for us."

More from Autumn Internationals 2014

Watson: Dream come true

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Brad Barritt, 12 Kyle Eastmond, 11 Jonny May, 10 Owen Farrell , 9 Danny Care, 1 Joe Marler, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 David Wilson, 4 Dave Attwood, 5 Courtney Lawes, 6 Tom Wood, 7 Chris Robshaw (capt), 8 Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Matt Mullan, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 George Kruis, 20 Ben Morgan, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 George Ford, 23 Marland Yarde.

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