England Saxons name team to face South Africa A

12:28 PM GMT

England Saxons have named their team to face South Africa A in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Ollie Devoto and Tommy Taylor, who came off the bench to earn their first full caps in England's victory over Wales at Twickenham last month, have both been named in a starting XV that boasts over 60 caps of senior experience.

Saxons take on South Africa A twice: firstly at Bloemfontein's Free State Stadium before a second clash at Outeniqua Park on June 17. The squad arrived in South Africa last week and have been training at Kings Park Stadium in Durban, home of Super Rugby outfit Sharks.

Saxons head coach Ali Hepher said: "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.

"Friday 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. We want to see a team that doesn't hold back, that is fearless in the way it puts itself out there, but is also very accurate, playing smart rugby with or without the ball.

"We've given the players a basic structure through which they are able to express themselves and be the players they are. It has also been key to bond the side and the guys are leading on those activities on and off field. It is great to see them taking responsibility for the whole tour."

England Saxons team to play South Africa A: Mike Haley, Alex Lewington, Nick Tompkins, Ollie Devoto, Semesa Rokoduguni, Danny Cipriani, Dan Robson; Alex Hepburn, Tommy Taylor, Kieran Brookes, Dave Attwood (Captain), Charlie Ewels, Don Armand, Matt Kvesic, Sam Jones.

Replacements: George McGuigan, Ross Harrison, Jake Cooper-Woolley, Mitch Lees, Dave Ewers, Micky Young, Sam James, Christian Wade.

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England Saxons name team to face South Africa A