Rugby World Cup 2019: What time is England vs Tonga kick-off and what TV channel is it on?
England begin their Rugby World Cup campaign against Tonga in Sapporo on the opening weekend of action in Japan.
With the last two World Cup campaigns proving forgettable affairs for England supporters, Eddie Jones knows the expectation on his side to deliver a positive performance to restore hopes in the national team.
The Australian has not been shy in declaring his belief that they will win the entire tournament, but that all begins in Sapporo against the Tongans.
Jones has selected George Ford and Owen Farrell together in midfield along with Manu Tuilagi, while Billy Vunipola is selected to start with Tom Curry and Sam Underhill in the back-row.
Tonga head coach Toutai Kefu, the former World Cup winner with Australia, has gone with his strongest line-up in an effort to cause a major upset inside the Sapporo Dome, with seven England-based players in the squad including Bristol’s Siale Piutau, Newcastle’s Sonatane Takulua and Leicester’s Sione Kalamafoni.
Here’s everything you need to know about the match.
When is it?
England vs Tonga takes place on Sunday 22 September at the Sapporo Dome.
What time does it start?
The match kicks off at 7:15pm Japan Standard Time, which is 11:15am BST.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on ITV from 10:45am BST.
Teams
England: Elliot Daly; Anthony Watson, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell, Jonny May; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler; Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Billy Vunipola.
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Dan Cole, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Henry Slade, Jonathan Joseph.
Tonga: David Halaifonua; Atieli Pakalani, Siale Piutau, Cooper Vuna, Viliami Lolohea; Kurt Morath, Sonatane Takulua; Siegfried ‘Fisiihoi, Sosefo Sakalia, Ben Tameifuna; Sam Lousi, Halavela Fifita; Sioe Kalamafoni, Zane Kapeli, Maama Vaipulu.
Replacements: Siua Maile, Latu Talakai, Ma’afu Fia, Dan Faleafa, Nasi Mau, Leon Fukofuka, James Faiva, Nafi Tu’itavake.
Odds
England to win: 1/41
Tonga to win: 66/1
Draw: 100/1
Prediction
England 50-10 Tonga: With England going full guns blazing for their opening game, it could rain tries inside the Sapporo Dome. Tonga were thrashed by the All Blacks 92-7 earlier this month, and although this is a heavily changed side deployed by Kefu, they will need something special to deny Owen Farrell’s side.
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