England make key changes for must-win PNG clash — SkimNews
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- Jez Litten starts at hooker for England's men's team, replacing Brad O'Neill in a lineup shift ahead of their must-win World Cup match against Papua New Guinea.
- Morgan Knowles returns from calf injury to start in the second row, displacing Victor Radley, who moves to the interchange bench for England's crucial Group B-C clash.
- England men need a large victory over Papua New Guinea and a Tonga win over Samoa to advance, as their points difference currently lags 68 behind Samoa’s.
- Georgia Roche replaces Jenna Foubister at half-back for England women, with coach Stu Barrow opting for experience after Foubister struggled in the 78-0 loss to Australia.
- England women must beat Samoa to reach the semi-finals, with captain Jodie Cunningham returning from an ear injury to be named on the bench.
- Reece Walsh returns at full-back for Australia’s men, replacing James Tedesco for their final group game against the Cook Islands, after being rested in the win over Fiji.
Why it matters: England’s World Cup survival hinges on Friday’s result and Tonga’s performance two days later. A loss or insufficient points difference eliminates both men’s and women’s teams, ending their tournaments early despite a dominant win over France and Wales, respectively.
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