Cokanasiga 'something special' says England boss Jones
Joe Cokanasiga will be given the chance justify Eddie Jones' belief he is "something special" when he makes his England debut against Japan.
The giant Bath wing is one of 11 changes in personnel for Saturday's penultimate Quilter International at Twickenham with only full-back Elliot Daly retaining the same jersey he wore against New Zealand.
George Ford leads the team after co-captains Owen Farrell and Dylan Hartley were selected on the bench in a match and its build-up being treated as a dress rehearsal for the four-day turnaround between group games against Tonga and the USA at next year's World Cup.
It is the presence of Cokanasiga that is generating most excitement, however, as Jones tests whether he can perform the role of juggernaut wing that England have rarely been able to field.
The giant Fijian-born threequarter, who turned 21 today, has used his 6'4" and 18 stones frame to destructive effect at the Recreation Ground and Jones believes he has the attributes to be a force in the international arena.
"Joe's pretty excited. He's a quite a shy boy but increasingly, in the time that he's spent with the team, he's come out of himself," Jones said.
"There's something a little bit special about him so we're looking forward to seeing him play.
"He's got power and he's got pace. The Japanese wingers are very good wingers so he'll have to be at his best."
A new-look centre pairing of Jack Nowell and Alex Lozowski start outside Ford and half-back partner Danny Care with Farrell offering midfield cover from the bench against the sport's number 11 ranked team.
It is Ford's first start of the autumn after Farrell was chosen as chief conductor for the narrow victory over South Africa and defeat by New Zealand.
"George as the captain and the 10 has the responsibility of organising the team and captaining the team around the field," Jones said.
"George has been in good form, although he's had limited game time. And Danny brings a certain sparkle around the ruck."