TAVISTOCK’S Luke Northmore will finally make his long-awaited full England debut on Saturday against Argentina at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario.

Northmore comes into the England team at centre in place of fellow Devonian Henry Slade, who picked up a hand injury in the first test against Argentina last weekend.

Harlequins back Northmore, who played first team rugby for Tavistock in the Cornwall/Devon League, toured with England last summer and was also in previous Six Nations squads, but has had to wait patiently for his debut cap.

“You always wonder if the day will ever come,” said Northmore, whose first squad call-up came three years ago. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t know if it would”

His selection for the injured Slade is the only changed to the England team from last week’s win over the Pumas in La Plata.

England’s head coach Steve Borthwick said: “Saturday’s match in San Juan is another great challenge. The players have trained with real focus and intensity this week, determined to keep improving in every area.

“We’re expecting a tactical battle as well as a tough, physical contest, and everyone is excited for what should be a fantastic Test match.”

Northmore will become the first former Tavistock College pupil since Graham Dawe to play rugby for England’s first team.

England to face Argentina: Steward; Roebuck, Northmore, S Atkinson, Muir; Ford, Spencer; Baxter, George, Heyes, Ewels, Coles, B Curry, Underhill, T Willis. Reps: Dan, Rodd, Opoku-Fordjour, Cunningham-South, Pepper, Dombrandt, Van Poortvliet, Murley.