Former Stormers flank Don Armand will start at blindside for the England Saxons in Friday’s match against South Africa A in Bloemfontein.
The Zimbabwean-born flanker has made 24 appearances for the Exeter Chiefs since joining the club in 2013.
The Saxons will be captained by Bath lock Dave Attwood, who has played 23 matches for the senior side, while Danny Cipriani, with 14 England caps, will start at flyhalf.
‘We’re really pleased with how the group is progressing together. We’re developing the players, which is key to this tour, and we now want to see how they perform on the international stage,’ England Saxons coach Ali Hepher said. ‘Friday night offers us a fantastic challenge and this game will tell us where we’re at, what we’ve got to work on and improve, and to see the strengths the guys have on the field.’
England Saxons – 15 Mike Haley, 14 Alex Lewington, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Ollie Devoto, 11 Semesa Rokoduguni, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Dan Robson, 8 Sam Jones, 7 Matt Kvesic, 6 Don Armand, 5 Charlie Ewels, 4 Dave Attwood (c), 3 Kieran Brookes, 2 Tommy Taylor, 1 Alec Hepburn.
Subs: 16 George McGuigan, 17 Ross Harrison, 18 Jake Cooper-Woolley, 19 Mitch Lees, 20 Dave Ewers, 21 Micky Young, 22 Sam James, 23 Christian Wade.
Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images
