Pollock benched as Borthwick makes wholesale changes
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team to play Italy at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
Maro Itoje will captain a side which features nine personnel changes from the starting XV that faced Ireland in the third round of the Six Nations Championship, with Jamie George, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, Cadan Murley, Seb Atkinson, Tom Roebuck and Elliot Daly all coming into the team, while Tommy Freeman moves from the wing to centre.
No.8 Ben Earl will win his 50th cap for England, having made his debut against Scotland in 2020.
“We’re expecting a big test in Rome and it’s one the players are really looking forward to,” said Borthwick.
“We know the challenge Italy will bring at the Stadio Olimpico, and we’ve selected a team we believe will deliver the level of performance we’re striving for.”
On Earl’s milestone, Borthwick added: “To reach 50 caps for England speaks volumes about Ben’s professionalism and the consistency of his performances. He’s an important leader within this group, someone who drives standards and brings energy every day. It’s a wonderful achievement and one he should be very proud of.”
England: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Tommy Roebuck, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Guy Pepper, 5 Alex Coles, 4 Maro Itoje (captain), 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie Georgie, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith
Date: Saturday, March 7
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Kick-off: 17.40 (16.40 GMT; 16.40 UK time)
Referee: Luc Ramos (France)
Assistant Referees: Pierre Brousset (France) & Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
