OXFORDSHIRE’S Alec Hepburn will make his first start for England in Saturday’s match against South Africa at Twickenham.

The Exeter Chiefs prop has been named at loosehead, replacing the injured Mako Vunipola for his third cap.

Hepburn, who previously captained Oxfordshire Under 17s and played for Henley Hawks, made his England debut against Italy in the Six Nations in February.

Head coach Eddie Jones has backed the 25-year-old to make the most of the opportunity.

He said: “It was a really tight decision between him and Ben Moon, but the two of them will do a great job for the 80 minutes.

“Alec is a very vigorous player, good ball carrier, great chop tackler and plays with a high work rate.”

England’s match against the Springboks is the first test of the Quilter International series, which also includes matches against New Zealand (November 10), Japan (November 17) and Australia (November 24).