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Under-fire Borthwick makes one change for France showdown

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team to play France at Stade de France on Saturday, March 14.

Maro Itoje will captain a side with just one change to the starting XV that faced Italy in Rome last weekend, with Ollie Chessum coming in at blindside flanker.

Saturday’s game, which marks the 120th anniversary of England and France’s historic rivalry, also sees Sam Underhill and Marcus Smith set to win their 50th caps for England from the bench. Underhill made his debut against Argentina in 2017, while Smith first represented England in 2021 against the United States.

“It’s a huge challenge under the lights in Paris against a very strong France side,” said Borthwick.

“England versus France is one of the great rivalries in international rugby, and we’re looking forward to the occasion.”

On Underhill and Smith’s milestones, Borthwick commented: “Reaching 50 caps is a special achievement and a reflection of the consistency both Sam and Marcus have shown in an England shirt.

“They have both worked extremely hard for this milestone, and it’s a credit to them and the people who have supported them along the way.”

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 Guy Pepper, 6 Ollie Chessum, 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 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith

Date: Saturday, March 14
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Kick-off: 21.10 (20.10 GMT; 20.10 UK time)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland) & Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)

 

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