Updated

England name Henry Pollock at number eight for their Nations Championship match against Japan at Twickenham on Saturday 14 November, his only second start for England. Pollock has scored eight tries in 14 Tests, and the team includes Will Joseph on the wing and Max Ojomoh at inside centre, with Ojomoh returning to the side after a long absence. Alex Mitchell, who faces a long absence after hamstring surgery, is not part of this selection. Wales face New Zealand at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on the same day, with Taine Basham starting at number eight in place of the injured Aaron Wainwright, his first international in four years. Wales have not beaten New Zealand since 1953, and Steve Tandy has made four starting changes, including Gabriel Hamer-Webb in for Josh Adams. Sources reported that England have won all six previous Tests against Japan, most recently 52-17 in Tokyo in June 2024. Enforced absences have limited England's selection options, and the changes give players a chance to make their case a year before the Rugby World Cup in Australia. Ojomoh is out of contract at Bath at season's end and has been linked with a move to the Top 14 in the French press.