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Lawes, Hartley and Biggar all involved on international stage again this weekend

Head coach Eddie Jones has rung the changes for England’s third Quilter International against Japan at Twickenham Stadium, but Northampton Saints duo Courtney Lawes and Dylan Hartley remain in the mix for the Red Rose.

Lawes, 29, starts at flanker and will earn his 67th cap on Saturday (kick-off 3pm, live on Sky Sports Action and Main Event).

There are 11 changes to the starting XV that faced New Zealand last weekend with several players rested by Jones, and Saints skipper Dylan Hartley switches to the bench hoping to win his 96th cap if he enters the fray.

“Japan is an important game for us as we want to get back to winning ways,” said Jones.

“We have also tested ourselves in having a shorter preparation. We gave the players two days off after three weeks of intensive work. We have had a short preparation but a good preparation.

“This weekend is a good opportunity for us to test the depth of the squad. A number of players have changed their roles going from finishers to starters, and starters to finishers so that is the essential change to the squad.”

On Japan he added: “We are expecting plenty of energy, aggression and fast ball movement. They will be full of surprises, quick taps, lineouts and plays.  They are going to have a bag of magic.”

Elsewhere, Saints fly-half Dan Biggar starts in the No.10 jersey for Wales against Tonga at Principality Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm).

The 29-year-old kicked the winning points in his country's victory over Australia last weekend.

“Saturday is a fantastic opportunity for a number of players,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“We are looking forward to the challenge of Tonga. They had a great win last weekend against the French Barbarians and we know it is going to be a tough, physical challenge.

"We have spoken about creating depth and for us that is all about creating a squad that is full of first-teamers, everyone in the squad capable of starting.

“The boys this weekend have to put their hand up for the final match and put pressure on the players who started last weekend.”

Northampton Saints will be showing England’s match against Japan live at Franklin’s Gardens following this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership clash with Wasps. Head to the Rodber bar from 3pm to catch the action. To book tickets now, please CLICK HERE.

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