Youngs to mark half century in World Cup opener

Scrum-half Ben Youngs will celebrate his 50th cap in memorable style as it will come in the opening match of the World Cup as hosts England's take on Fiji at Twickenham on Friday.
The 26-year-old, whose brother Tom will also start at hooker, is in an unchanged starting XV from the one that beat Six Nations champions Ireland at Twickenham in their final warm-up match earlier this month.

England coach Stuart Lancaster paid tribute to Youngs personal landmark -- only having made his debut five years ago in a 15-15 draw with Scotland.
"I’d like to congratulate Ben Youngs on his achievement," said Lancaster.

"To win 50 caps for your country in such a relatively short period of time is testament to Ben’s dedication and commitment."

Rugby league convert Sam Burgess doesn't get a start at centre -- Lancaster opting for more experienced pair of Brad Barritt and Jonathan Joseph -- but he makes the replacements' bench.
Lancaster, who took over the post after Martin Johnson's calamitous World Cup campaign in New Zealand four years ago, said all the signs were positive as England bid to land the trophy for the second time, and also go one better than the last time the English hosted the tournament when they lost to Australia in the 1991 final.

"The squad is massively excited to start the World Cup," said Lancaster.

"Everyone has worked incredibly hard over the last three months and we are ready.

"All the players have put their hand up in training and the internationals we have played this summer and we are blessed to have such a strong squad to select from against a skilful and powerful Fijian side.

"The support of a nation is behind the team. Friday will be a great occasion for the whole squad and for the country.

"We are in a unique position to be playing in a World Cup on home soil and to have the support of a nation behind the team.

"That support will be a massive factor and we don't underestimate its importance."

There is one change on the replacements’ bench, with Bath Rugby hooker Rob Webber replacing Jamie George of Saracens.

Team (kick-off 1900GMT):

15-1

Mike Brown; Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Brad Barritt, Jonny May; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Ben Morgan, Chris Robshaw (capt), Tom Wood; Courtney Lawes, Geoff Parling; Dan Cole, Tom Youngs, Joe Marler.

Replacements: Rob Webber, Mako Vunipola, Kieran Brookes, Joe Launchbury, Billy Vunipola, Richard Wigglesworth, Owen Farrell, Sam Burgess.
Source: AFP