Steve Borthwick has confirmed his radical shake-up of England’s line-up with Marcus Smith shifted to full-back for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with France.
The England boss has handed Fin Smith the keys to No.10 with the Northampton man starting his first Test, at fly-half, in his eighth cap.
Borthwick has made three personnel changes to the XV with Fin Smith, wing Ollie Sleightholme and No.8 Tom Willis all starting.
But Freddie Steward has been axed from the 23 entirely with Elliot Daly providing three-quarter cover from a bench with six forwards and two backs.
As expected, former captain and hooker Jamie George, who missed the 27-22 defeat to Ireland with a hamstring problem is back on the bench to win his 98th England cap.
Ben Earl shifts to openside flanker to accommodate Willis’ promotion with Ben Curry dropping to the replacements.
Northampton’s Sleightholme, who comes in for the injured Cadan Murley, has not played since 28 December because of hamstring trouble but is brought straight back in.
Borthwick’s side has been picked with the aim of defusing the French long kicking game and running the ball back at them.
But they have bad memories of playing France at Twickenham as two years ago they were hammered 53-10 in a record defeat at the stadium.
“England versus France is an incredible fixture to be involved in,” said Borthwick.
“We’re looking forward to being back at Allianz Stadium in front of our home supporters, for what I am sure will be a great game of rugby.”
As expected, France have prolific winger Damian Penaud back after he missed the 43-0 win over Wales with a toe injury.
And Matthieu Jalibert is in at fly-half for the suspended Romain Ntamack, who was sent off for a high shot against Wales.
No.8 Gregory Alldritt leads a heavyweight pack with Antoine Dupont, the captain and world’s best player, primed to cause damage from scrum-half.
England vs France, 4.45pm Saturday, ITV Sport
England: M.Smith; T.Freeman, O.Lawrence, H.Slade, O.Sleightholme; F.Smith, A.Mitchell; E.Genge, L.Cowan-Dickie, W.Stuart, M.Itoje (capt), G.Martin, T.Curry, B.Earl, T.Willis
Replacements: J.George, F.Baxter, J.Heyes, O.Chessum, C.Cunningham-South. B.Curry, H.Randall, E.Daly
France: T.Ramos; D.Penaud, P-L.Barassi, Y. Moefana, L.Bielle-Biarrey; M.Jalibert, A.Dupont (capt); J-B.Gros, P.Mauvaka, U.Atonion, A.Roumat, E.Meafou, F.Cros, P.Boudehent, G.Alldritt
Replacements: J.Marchand, C.Baille, G-H.Colombe, H.Auradou, M.Guillard, O.Jegou, N.Le Garrec, E.Gailleton
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