Former England coach Eddie Jones will return to Twickenham in May to lead the Barbarians against a World XV. Photo: EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA
Former England coach Eddie Jones will return to Twickenham in May to lead the Barbarians against a World XV. Photo: EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA
England coach Eddie Jones sprang a surprise by naming George Furbank at fullback and Freddie Steward on the wing for his side’s bid to deny France a Grand Slam in their Six Nations finale in Paris on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 22:00 SA time.
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Steward was England’s fullback in their 32-15 defeat by Ireland at Twickenham last week.
But he has now been moved to the right wing after Jones dropped Max Malins, with Furbank taking over the No 15 jersey in his first appearance of the tournament.
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Jones has also recalled Ben Youngs, England’s most-capped player, at scrumhalf in place of rising star Harry Randall.
Charlie Ewels’ red card after just 82 seconds into England’s record home defeat by Ireland means Nick Isiekwe makes his third start of the Six Nations in the second row while Sam Underhill replaces hamstring-injury victim Tom Curry at openside flanker.
In the front row, Will Stuart starts at prop with Kyle Sinckler on the bench following a concussion sustained against Ireland.
That reverse ended any hopes England had of winning the title following their first-round defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield.
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England are playing for third place at best but could finish as low as fifth if they lose at the Stade de France and other results go against them.
“This is our strongest 23 for the game against France,” said veteran Australian coach Jones.
“We are disappointed not to be in contention for the trophy but last week’s effort against Ireland was full of pride, energy and tactical discipline.
“We have focused on refreshing the team this week and we are ready to empty the tank on Saturday.”
ENGLAND TEAM TO FACE FRANCE
15 George Furbank, 14 Freddie Steward, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Henry Slade, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Sam Simmonds, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Courtney Lawes (captain), 5 Nick Isiekwe, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge
Substitutes: 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Alex Dombrandt, 21 Harry Randall, 22 George Ford, 23 Elliot Daly
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
