Steve Borthwick says Lewis Ludlam is ‘the right person to start’ against Japan

Ludlam has been rewarded for his defensive masterclass as a replacement in the 27-10 win over Argentina on Saturday.

England's Lewis Ludlam after the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool D match at the Stade de Marseille, France. Picture date: Saturday September 9, 2023.

Lewis Ludlam’s understated influence has won the approval of Steve Borthwick after England’s unsung hero was picked ahead of Billy Vunipola at number eight for Sunday’s World Cup clash with Japan.

Vunipola has completed his two-match suspension for a dangerous tackle against Ireland last month but the hard-carrying Saracen is limited to a bench role for the Stade de Nice showdown.