In the single most radical upheaval of Stuart Lancaster's time in charge, England have ripped up their midfield for the crucial World Cup pool match against Wales.
George Ford has been dropped for Owen Farrell, Sam Burgess will start at second five-eighths and Brad Barritt has been switched to centre in place of the injured Jonathan Joseph.
Ford's demotion is a shock. It would seem to be a reaction to the pressing issue of dealing with Wales' full-frontal approach as well as the injury to Joseph, their top try-scorer from the Six Nations Championship this year.
The desire for width and variety has been replaced by a stern, muscle-bound line-up. England have opted for the full-metal-jacket approach, spooked perhaps by the physicality of the Fijians in the World Cup opening match at Twickenham.
Ford has every right to feel aggrieved. The Bath first-five was the linchpin of a revitalised attacking approach during the Six Nations, when England scored a record-breaking 18 tries in five matches. Most pertinently, Ford led the attack at a frenzied Millennium Stadium on the opening Friday night of the championship, dealing with all that Wales could launch down his No10 channel, to steer England to a 21-16 win.