England v Japan: Henry Pollock, Max Ojomoh and Will Joseph start

Enforced absences have prevented England from building on last weekend’s win with a similar selection, but others now have the chance to make their case a year out from the Rugby World Cup in Australia.

While Pollock has made regular try-scoring second-half cameos in his England career so far, the 21-year-old’s only previous start was in February’s dismal 42-21 home defeat by Ireland.

England were routed at the breakdown that day and Pollock’s challenge, albeit against weaker opposition, will be to prove his effectiveness in close quarters, as well as in open spaces.

Pollock had Ben Earl and Tom Curry alongside him against Ireland, and Borthwick has brought more ballast into the back-row blend on this occasion with Alex Coles moved to blind-side flanker in place of the injured Ollie Chessum.

Like Pollock, Ojomoh knows that head coach Steve Borthwick will be focused on small details, as much as showreel highlights.

The Bath star’s silky playmaking skills and running threat have never been in doubt, but England have wanted more from the Bath star in defence and his work off the ball.

However, if, as expected, England secure the majority of possession, Ojomoh’s ability to pick passes in the face of a defence could spring his backline.

Joseph, whose older brother Jonathan won 54 caps for England between 2012 and 2020, has been one of the stars of Gloucester’s resurgence this season, alternating between wing and midfield.

England: Steward; Joseph, Slade, Ojomoh, Murley; Ford, Van Poortvliet; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Itoje, Martin, Coles, Earl, Pollock

Replacements: Dan, Iyogun, Heyes, Clark, Curry, Fisilau, McParland, M Smith