Alex Goode to replace Mike Brown at full-back when England face Fiji
Goode has finally been rewarded for the recent form and vision he has offered at Saracens in recent weeks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alex Goode is poised to make his first start under Eddie Jones when England's autumn programme continues with Fiji's visit to Twickenham on Saturday.
Goode is set to displace Mike Brown at full-back following the 37-21 victory over South Africa and the Saracen will link up in the back three with Semesa Rokoduguni, who is preferred ahead of Marland Yarde on the right wing.
In a third expected change to the backline, Jonathan Joseph appears to have regained the outside centre duties from Elliot Daly.
England are likely to make only one adjustment to the pack that demolished the Springboks with Tom Wood omitted from the 25 players retained at the squad's Surrey training base, resulting in Nathan Hughes or Teimana Harrison filling the openside jersey.
Goode's absence has been one of more the puzzling elements of Jones' reign given his form for Saracens and the vision he offers at full-back.
Apart from a replacement appearance against Italy in February, it has been an unrewarding period for the 28-year-old reigning Aviva Premiership player of the year.
Jones has held misgivings over his speed and defensive technique, but Fiji is now the platform for him to reignite his Test career while Brown - one of the squad's three vice captains - comes to terms with being dropped by the Australian head coach for the first time.
Alongside Goode will be a man described by Bath team-mate George Ford as "probably the most dangerous player and best finisher I have ever played with".
Rokoduguni was dropped after a 24-21 defeat by New Zealand in 2014 never to reappear during the stewardship of Stuart Lancaster amid mixed messages when explaining his descent out of favour.
When outlining the reasons behind Rokoduguni's omission against South Africa last weekend, Jones referenced the way his debut had been handled by the previous regime.
"I want him to play 30-40 Tests for England and to do that, I've got to make sure that what happened to him last time doesn't happen again. So I've got to manage that player well," Jones said.
PA.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments