Bold call as England bench star
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick with his team selection for Sunday’s Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham Stadium.
The head coach dropped Marcus Smith from the starting XV and has opted to go with Finn Smith at flyhalf and Elliot Daly at fullback.
Marcus Smith had been Borthwick’s first-choice at No.10 since the 2023 World Cup.
However, he was shifted to fullback for England’s second and third-round matches against France and Scotland, with Fin Smith coming in and also taking over place-kicking.
Marcus Smith is one of two backline players on the bench as Borthwick opted for a 6-2 split (6 forwards and 2 backs).
Aside from Daly, Fraser Dingwall and Jamie George have all been included following the win over Scotland.
George will win his 100th England cap when he takes the field having made his debut in 2015 against France.
The hooker becomes England’s seventh male Test centurion and takes his spot in the front row alongside fellow vice-captain Ellis Genge at loosehead prop and Will Stuart at tighthead.
At lock, England captain Maro Itoje is again paired with Ollie Chessum.
The backrow sees Tom Curry on the blindside flank, Ben Earl at openside and Tom Willis at No.8 to complete the pack.
In the halfbacks, Alex Mitchell is at scrumhalf with Fin Smith at 10.
In midfield, Dingwall is named at inside centre, earning his first start of the Championship, with Ollie Lawrence at 13.
In the back three, Ollie Sleightholme starts on the left wing, with Tommy Freeman on the right, and Daly comes into the starting line-up at fullback.
“England versus Italy is always an exciting fixture to be part of,” said Borthwick.
“Playing in front of our home supporters at Allianz Stadium is something we’re really looking forward to, and we’re sure it will be a fantastic game of rugby.”
Commenting on Jamie George’s milestone, he added: “Reaching 100 caps is a wonderful achievement that reflects Jamie’s talent, dedication and hard work.
“He has consistently given his all while wearing an England shirt and the team couldn’t be prouder of his incredible milestone.”
England: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Tom Willis, 7 Ben Earl, 6 Tom Curry, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Ben Curry, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
Date: Sunday, March 9
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Kick-off: 15.00 (15.00 GMT; 16.00 ITA)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: Craig Evans (Wales) & Luc Ramos (France)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
