Max Malins will make his first England start against France on Saturday, with Elliot Daly dropped to the bench by Eddie Jones. Luke Cowan-Dickie and Charlie Ewels also come into the side as Jones makes three changes to the starting XV who lost to Wales last time out.
Malins has caught the eye in his six appearances from the bench so far – not least in the Autumn Nations Cup final against France in December – and finally gets his chance from the off on Saturday. His combined playing time in the tournament so far is less than 30 minutes but, with Daly struggling for form, Jones has seen fit to give the 24-year-old his chance.
Ollie Lawrence also returns to the match-day squad as a replacement while Cowan-Dickie comes back into the side to replace Jamie George at hooker, having impressed on his first championship start against Italy. Indeed, he was unfortunate to lose his starting place against Wales but gets another shot against France, having scored the try against Les Bleus in December to force extra time.
Ewels is selected alongside Maro Itoje in the second row with Jonny Hill – who endured a difficult afternoon in Cardiff – dropping to the bench. It is believed Jones was giving consideration to selecting Itoje at blindside flanker in the absence of Courtney Lawes but instead he has kept faith with the back-row combination against Wales. That means Ben Earl – another who is thought to have been close to starting – again settles for a place on the bench, with Mark Wilson, Tom Curry and Billy Vunipola continuing.
While Malins’ selection is the most eye-catching – and in dropping Daly and George, Jones has left out two of his six Saracens contingent – the head coach has resisted wholesale changes despite the fact England have in effect relinquished their Six Nations title. France are chasing the grand slam, as are Wales, who will officially end England’s title hopes with victory in Italy on Saturday.
Twickenham, 4.45pm, Saturday 13 March
England Max Malins; Anthony Watson, Henry Slade, Owen Farrell (capt), Jonny May; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Mako Vunipola, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Charlie Ewels, Mark Wilson, Tom Curry, Billy Vunipola.
Replacements Jamie George, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Jonny Hill, Ben Earl, Dan Robson, Ollie Lawrence, Elliot Daly.
France Brice Dulin; Teddy Thomas, Virimi Vakatawa, Gaël Fickou, Damian Penaud; Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont; Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand, Mohamed Haouas, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Willemse, Dylan Cretin, Charles Ollivon (capt), Grégory Alldritt
Replacements Camille Chat, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Dorian Aldegheri, Cyril Cazeaux, Cameron Woki, Anthony Jelonch, Baptiste Serin, Romain Ntamack
“This France game is one we are really looking forward to,” said Jones. “We are of course disappointed that we can’t defend the championship, but that makes this an even more important game. We want to show what we are capable of. The squad have competed really hard in training since Sunday. I believe this is the best 23 to really take the game to France and get us on the front foot.”
On the bench Lawrence is included, having not featured in a match-day squad since starting against Scotland on the opening day of the campaign. He will hope for more involvement as and when he comes on, having largely been a bystander in that disappointing defeat.
Mako Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler continue as the props while Ben Youngs and George Ford are once again the half-backs. Owen Farrell stays at inside-centre with Henry Slade outside him, while Jonny May and Anthony Watson – who wins his 50th cap – are on the wings. Ellis Genge, Will Stuart and Dan Robson complete the replacements bench.
