England have rung the changes for this weekend’s Calcutta Cup match against Scotland after tight affairs in their first two outings. This will be a real challenge for the boys in white, as they face a Scotland side looking to get their tournament back on track after a controversial end to their fight with France.
Danny Care steps in at scrum-half for the injured Alex Mitchell, while Bath captain Ben Spencer takes his spot on the bench. George Ford will conduct his orchestra of Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade in the centres whilst Manu Tuilagi takes the week off.
George Furbank is the only change in the back three, replacing Freddie Steward who will not be in the match day 23. Finn Smith and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso provide cover from the bench alongside Spencer.
Ellis Genge and Dan Cole return to the starting line-up for the first time this competition, with Joe Marler and Will Stuart providing support from the bench. Expect to see them approach the field around the 50-minute mark. Theo Dan provides cover for Jamie George from the bench whilst Luke Cowan-Dickie still rebuilds himself following injury.
Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum continue to cement their partnership in the row, with George Martin providing pretty impressive cover from the bench. He will be joined on the bench by Chandler Cunningham-South who waits in the wings for Ethan de Groot, Ben Earl and Sam Underhill to do their business from the field.
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“We’re pleased with the start we’ve made to our Guinness Six Nations campaign but know that a difficult test awaits us in Edinburgh against an in-form Scotland team,” said Borthwick.
“The atmosphere is always special for any Calcutta Cup match and I’m sure this weekend’s game at Murrayfield will be no different.
“This group of players are looking forward to the challenge on Saturday and to creating some very special memories.”
15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 59 caps)
12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)
11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 66 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 93 caps) – vice captain
9. Danny Care (Harlequins, 98 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 59 caps) – vice captain
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 87 caps) – captain
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 109 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 78 caps) – vice captain
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 20 caps)
6. Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs, 2 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 32 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 27 caps)
Replacements:
16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 9 caps)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 90 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 35 caps)
19. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)
20. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 2 caps)
21. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)
22. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
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