England have sprung a surprise by elevating the uncapped Wasp back-row forward Joe Launchbury into their matchday squad for Saturday's game against Fiji. The 21-year-old Launchbury, who did not feature in the original autumn selection, has been promoted ahead of the more experienced James Haskell, Phil Dowson and Ben Morgan who have all been released back to their clubs.

The Exeter-born, Sussex-reared youngster was outstanding for Wasps against Saracens on Sunday and can operate at both flanker and lock. His selection underlines head coach Stuart Lancaster's willingness to show faith in talented youth, with the 21-year-old Saracens prop Mako Vunipola also in line to win his first cap off the bench this weekend.

"It's great to have young players such as Mako and Joe in the match-day 23 and we are excited about the potential of the squad," said Lancaster.

England's 23-man squad to face Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm

Forwards D Cole (Leicester), T Johnson (Exeter Chiefs), J Launchbury (Wasps), J Marler (Harlequins), T Palmer (Wasps), D Paice (London Irish), G Parling (Leicester), C Robshaw (Harlequins, capt), M Vunipola (Saracens), T Waldrom (Leicester), D Wilson (Bath), T Wood (Northampton), T Youngs (Leicester) Backs B Barritt (Saracens), M Brown, D Care (both Harlequins), O Farrell (Saracens), T Flood (Leicester), A Goode (Saracens), U Monye (Harlequins), C Sharples (Gloucester), M Tuilagi, B Youngs (both Leicester)