The arrival of Eddie Jones’ Japan at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham will bring the curtain down on a four-match November programme that has so far witnessed defeats to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has a choice to make ahead of this Sunday against Japan: stick or twist. Stick with the same core group and try and register a much-needed win, or twist with a new group who have had limited game time.
Marler’s retirement has now opened up a spot for Opoku-Fordjour, the Sale prop who has been packing down at tighthead for the Sharks following his July World Cup triumph with the England U20s at their starting loosehead.
It was July 13 when the English were beaten 17-24 at Eden Park, leaving them with a 2-0 series defeat as they had lost 15-16 the previous weekend in Dunedin.
Bath flanker Ted Hill, Sale Sharks fly-half George Ford and Northampton's Alex Coles have been added to England’s 36-player squad ahead of the Autumn Nations Series opener against the All Blacks at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, next Saturday.
Bath’s refusal to be beaten propelled them to a gripping 26-24 Gallagher Premiership victory over Harlequins made possible by Francois van Wyk’s late try.
There may have been some unwanted upheaval behind the scenes but Steve Borthwick’s squad selection for the Autumn Nations Series shows there is continuity on the field.
They will assemble next Monday at Pennyhill Park before flying to Girona for a warm-weather training camp ahead of the November 2 opener in London versus New Zealand, a fixture followed by further home games against Australia, South Africa and Japan.