Marcus Smith has been dropped by England for Sunday’s Six Nations fourth-round fixture in opposition to Italy, with Elliot Daly beginning at full-back and Fin Smith retaining his place at fly-half.
Marcus Smith had been Steve Borthwick’s first-choice decide at No 10 for the reason that 2023 Rugby World Cup at any time when he has been match, however was shifted to full-back for England’s second and third-round matches in opposition to France and Scotland, with Fin Smith coming in and in addition taking on place-kicking.
The choice to drop Marcus Smith to the replacements bench is a giant one, with Daly rewarded for his kind off the bench with a begin within the again discipline.
Elsewhere, former skipper Jamie George will begin at hooker, which means he’ll win his a hundredth England cap, whereas Fraser Dingwall begins at centre.
“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,” mentioned head coach Steve Borthwick.
Luke Cowan-Dickie drops to the bench, whereas Henry Slade is absent from the squad.
At lock, England captain Maro Itoje is once more paired with Ollie Chessum, whereas the again row sees Tom Curry on the blindside flank, Ben Earl at openside and Tom Willis at No 8 to finish the pack.
Former captain Jamie George is in line to earn his a hundredth cap for England
Alex Mitchell is at scrum-half with Fin Smith at 10 and in midfield, Dingwall is called at inside centre, incomes his first begin of the championship, with Ollie Lawrence at 13.
England: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Tom Willis.
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.
Six Nations fixtures: Spherical 4
Saturday March 8
Eire vs France (2.15pm)
Scotland vs Wales (4.45pm)
Sunday March 9
England vs Italy (3pm)
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