England vs Samoa: Rugby World Cup kick-off time, TV channel, team news, lineups, venue, odds
Steve Borthwick’s side have already sealed their quarter-final spot thanks to Japan’s 28-22 win over the Pacific Islanders in Toulouse last week, with top billing in Pool D certain regardless of their last result thanks to a strong head-to-head record after their victories against Argentina and Japan.
England know they will be contesting a last-eight clash in Marseille on October 15 against the runners-up from Pool C, likely to be confirmed as Fiji this weekend as they look to beat Portugal on Sunday and oust Eddie Jones’ Australia early in the process.
Despite his side already being through as table-toppers, Borthwick will still be demanding full attention and a strong performance against Samoa to keep confidence and momentum high ahead of the knockout stages.
They may have fallen in close games against both Argentina and Japan after an early bonus-point win over World Cup debutants Chile, but Samoa remain a test not to be taken lightly with their energy and physical threat.
Seilala Mapusua’s side still can technically snatch that last runners-up spot behind England in Pool D, but it would take a remarkable sequence of events for that to happen with Argentina vs Japan in Nantes on Sunday essentially a shootout for the right to finish second and meet Wales in the quarters.
Samoa will be keen to finish third however and guarantee their place at the 2027 tournament in Australia.
Date, kick-off time and venue
England vs Samoa takes place on Saturday October 7, 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 4:45pm BST.
The Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille will host England again this weekend, having also been the venue for their 11-try, 71-0 mauling of Chile on September 23.
Where to watch England vs Samoa
TV channel: England vs Samoa is available to watch live and free to air in the UK on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 4:15pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the action live online via the ITVX website and app.
Live blog: Follow the game live with Standard Sport’s blog, featuring expert analysis from rugby correspondent Nick Purewal at the ground.
England vs Samoa team news
Borthwick will no doubt play his strongest side against Samoa after a two-week break since a much-changed outfit demolished Chile, eager to keep his key players appropriately battle-tested and ready for the quarter-finals.
For the first time in his short reign so far the England boss faces a number of key selection decisions, with Marcus Smith having shone from full-back last time out and Henry Arundell matching the England record for most tries in a single Test match with five.
However, reports this week suggest that Freddie Steward could return to 15 against Samoa with Arundell and Smith dropped, with George Ford and captain Owen Farrell the 10-12 partnership and the Samoa-born Manu Tuilagi at 13 with Joe Marchant likely switched out to the wing, opposite Jonny May.
Tom Curry is back from suspension after his early red card in the opening win over Argentina in Marseille and reports claim he could now join Courtney Lawes and Ben Earl in the back row, with specialist No 8 Billy Vunipola only on the bench.
For Samoa, Montpellier wing Ben Lam has been handed a three-game ban by World Rugby after his red card for a dangerous tackle against Japan.
England vs Samoa lineups
Both teams are expected to be named on Thursday. Check back in then to see the lineups in full.
England vs Samoa referee
The referee for Saturday’s game will be Andrew Brace of Ireland, supported by assistants Nika Amashukeli and Chris Busby plus TMO Brian MacNeice.
England vs Samoa prediction
Much-changed England started slowly against Chile before producing an emphatic rout that followed a more low-key win over Japan and that superb opening weekend defeat of the Pumas.
Borthwick now faces some real tough selection calls with a likely quarter-final date with Fiji looming and it is essential that he gets the formula right, particularly those tricky backline combinations.
Samoa also brushed aside Chile and would have expected to be bested by Argentina, but the Japan result was a disappointment after Lam’s sending off.
However, they will be remain fully motivated here to ensure that they are able to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
England to win, but without a bonus point.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
England have won all of their previous eight meetings with Samoa, including at the 1995, 2003 and 2007 World Cups.
They last met during the 2017 autumn international series at Twickenham, with the hosts winning 48-14 on that occasion.
England wins: 8
