“We did particularly well against France two weeks ago and we’ve decided to go with the same starting side against Samoa at Shaw’s Bridge,” said Redman.

“We’ve got a tough series of pool games against three Southern Hemisphere sides and it’s important we get off to a strong start.

“But we don’t just want to stand still with the same group of players – we want to build on the positive things that we did against France and continue to take our game forward throughout the tournament.”

Newcastle Falcons also have representation in the Scotland squad for the competition, with scrum half Ross Samson included.

Match schedule:

April 5: Samoa v England (Shaw’s Bridge, 7.30pm)
April 9: Argentina v England (Belfast Harlequins, 7.30pm)
April 13: New Zealand v England (Ravenhill, 5.30pm)
April 17: Match Day Four
April 21: Match Day Five