England v Chile preview: England to rack up points with new-look XV

After winning both of their first two group games, something which not many would have expected heading into the tournament, England are bidding to make it three from three as they take on Chile in Pool D on Saturday afternoon.

We preview both teams heading into this clash.

England changes to spark free-scoring performance

With two wins on the bounce in the pool stages England are flying, and although many have complained about the regimented style of kicking-based rugby they are playing, no one can argue with its effectiveness so far.

With nine points already secured from their first two matches, England are handing minutes to those who have seen more of the bench so far this tournament and that could mean we see some changes in style as well as personnel.

One of the most notable changes is the return of veteran fly-half Owen Farrell, who missed the first two games through suspension. His replacement, George Ford, has filled his boots and then some, but Farrell will be hoping to put a marker down here and he heads into the game at 15/8 to score a try.

Marcus Smith is another exciting addition to the side as he comes in at full-back after impressing in his late cameo in the position against Japan last time out. Smith is a powerful runner who possesses an immense skill set, and with his increased involvement in the final attacking phases as a full-back, 10/1 for Smith to score first could provide value.

Chile don’t look like the type of side to be able to cause an upset here and with England heading into the game as overwhelming favourites at 1/250, there is no real value in the match result. As is often the case in David versus Goliath rugby matches, the handicap market is where you will find your value, but even with a 49-point handicap, we are still siding with Steve Borthwick’s men at 10/11.

Chile to make a good account of themselves

Whilst we have waxed lyrical about this England sides’ results so far at the World Cup and expect them to beat Chile by a wide margin, that is no disrespect to this resilient Chilean side who are playing at their first ever World Cup.

Many teams come to their first tournament and fail to score a point in some matches, or are unable to really put up a fight. Chile have put in solid enough performances in both games so far, notching up 22 points in their two losses against Japan and Samoa.

Chile have shown that they’re not afraid to try and play fast, expansive rugby and should gaps open up in the England defence, there is no doubt that their wingers, Franco Velarde and Cristobal Game, will be on hand to dot over with both of them 3/1 to score anytime.

As the 25/1 underdogs Chile will not have any expectations heading into this game but we don’t expect them to simply roll over and let England put points past them at ease. Although we are siding against Chile’s odds of 4/5 with a 49-point handicap, you can still expect them to run that line very