England coach Eddie Jones has kept faith with the bulk of his regulars after their dismal defeat by Scotland as he expects his side to go on the front foot against Italy in the Six Nations at Twickenham.
Having played poorly to lose 11-6 at home to the Scots last week, Jones has opted against throwing in fresh faces, with exciting uncapped backs Paolo Odogwu and Harry Randall not even making the bench.
Young centre Ollie Lawrence, who has barely touched the ball in his fledgling international career, is out of the squad as Jones has recalled George Ford at flyhalf and moved Owen Farrell back to centre alongside Henry Slade.
First-choice props Mako Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler return, with Luke Cowan-Dickie making his fourth start on his 28th appearance at hooker.
Courtney Lawes comes in at blindside flanker, with Tom Curry continuing at openside and Billy Vunipola at No.8.
Explaining his midfield shuffle, Jones said: “We know that George and Owen operate well at 10 and 12. We’d like to get Sladey into the game more.
“It was a difficult game for him (Lawrence against Scotland) but he’s a young guy and this is all part of learning his trade. He is going to be a great player for us.”
As for Randall and Odogwu, who many England fans would love to see get a run out, he said: “Both those guys are making inroads and progress and each week they get a little bit closer.”
Jones said his target this week was a return to “good English rugby – that involves having good set piece, good defence and then being able to take those opportunities as they come in attack.
“We want to be playing front-foot rugby, that’s when we’re at our best, that’s when we are one of the most damaging teams in the world and that’s what we want to get back to.”
Meanwhile, Italy head coach Franco Smith has opted to add more experience to his youthful side after handing starts to centre Carlo Canna and prop Andrea Lovotti.
An injury to Marco Zanon sees Zebre playmaker Canna start at inside centre for his 49th Azzurri appearance, making him the most capped player in the starting lineup.
England team (15-1): E Daly, A Watson, H Slade, O Farrell (c), J May, G Ford, B Youngs; M Vunipola, L Cowan-Dickie, K Sinckler, M Itoje, J Hill, C Lawes, T Curry, B Vunipola
Replacements: J George, E Genge, W Stuart, C Ewels, B Earl, J Willis, D Robson, M Malins
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Interesting you raise that one, Mach. I have not watched that game end to end yet, so will have a good look. I thought there was another dicy one in a bit I did watch. Farrellwas on the ground and from there wrestled a Scot over and had him head first into the turf. But was not from a height, and did not really develop as it might have. So in the end was nothing in it, but could easily have turned into a very dangerous situation. This boy Farrell will be red carded one day soon.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Yeah, settle JN. The coach is definitely over hyping on the expectation and the team have no option but to mimic when challenged. The press and definitely the real fans do not tend to buy the hype - we've all been around too long. And yes, regarding the recent Scotland game, they were outplayed by a better team, and yes, they did play badly. Both are true. And 'English arrogance' has no unique foundation in reality than any other nation I've encountered. If you insist on thinking differently, more fool you.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
It was embarrassing not because they lost, but because of the way they lost. Kicking the ball away then moaning that they didn't have the ball. Did you see that photo of the seven on three overlap where Farrell kicked through? Embarrassing! I totally get your point on the hype e.g. the triumphalism before the final. But equally England has a very experienced team, especially this far out from the next World Cup. It's a quality team too, based on World U20 finalists and winners - remember England have won it three times 2013-16 and were in most of the finals from 2011. I'm not saying they are going to win every game, but in these circumstances the English rugby public are justified in expecting more than the dull dross that's been served up. Yes they've won most of their games, but taking easy wins against rebuilding or average teams by playing low risk comfort zone kick and tackle rugby bores fans and makes it hard to play in a different way when a team doesn't capitulate to the pressure but applies their own.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
They win a lot at home though. Italy don't win anywhere. There's a huge gap between Italy and the next worse team in the 6N
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I don't think so. I'd never waste two hours of my time to watch a game with Italy in the 6N. I do enjoy the 5 minutes highlights of the tries they concede though. They should face relegation.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Both out for the tournament
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Special would be keeping the margin to less than 20. I feel for the team but they're simply not good enough to merit a spot in this tournament
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Jones is hung up on Youngs. There are a lot of good 9's running around in England if he'd open his eyes
Ulrich
Roar Rookie
Perhaps if they played at Brighton. This game, unfortunately, is at Twickenham.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Dropping Lawrence seems strange when he didn’t do any thing and didn’t get any chances against Scotland. I’m not sure this English team really knows what direction it is heading in
Lee Twizell
Guest
First game lost since first game last year
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Embarrassing loss to Scotland? Now that's what I mean about England being overhyped by their coach, fans, media and themselves.. They speak themselves up so much that when they do lose its always that they played badly and not that they were outplayed by a better team.. They went into the World Cup not even 6 Nations Champs and having made the final they saw themselves as having one hand on the trophy against The Boks who were That years SH Rugby Champions.. One good win against NZ... Rare I might add and England become World beaters.. It's an English arrogance that has no foundation in reality.. Thi k they've now lost 3 in a row and still its not the opposition who outplayed them.. Can't wait for a NZ vs Eng rematch to restore some sanity.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
I have a funny feeling that Italy actually can do something special.
Machpants
Roar Guru
Poor Lawrence, receive the ball once in 80 mins, and that was after 60 odd mins of the game. He'll never wear the Red Rose again, if Eddie's previous is to go by. Very happy to ditch newbies to cover the failings of his favourites. Favourites who still can't tackle correctly https://rugbyonslaught.com/nobody-is-talking-about-this-owen-farrell-tackle-sickener-in-the-six-nations/
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Mighty England against the perpetual losers Italy. Surely a great opportunity to address the issues that have been so evident of late, which culminated in the embarrassing loss to Scotland. Especially the inability to adapt the gameplan when the boring kick and tackle ploy doesn't work. Also the ideal chance to give youngsters experience against a team with no chance of beating them. Two main things I've noticed about this selection. First, the average age of the backline is 28.5. Against Italy. When the next World Club is 2.5 years away. Even the poor 12 who didn't get passed to for an hour has been dumped, after doing nothing wrong. Second, the 6 forward 2 back bench split. Their main goal is to smash Italy up front and convince themselves that they are good. Which totally ignores the underlying issues. Forza Italia!
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Yes and yes.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
" one of the most damaging teams....". Eddie, Eddie Eddie you just never learn.. Last season it was that your England team can become one of the best Rugby teams in history.. Give it a break.. It was noted on the Squidge report that England don't know how to be the underdog.. Even playing terrific sides they see themselves as favorites....it's a disadvantage.
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Micko
Roar Rookie
I'm sick of those Eden Park pastings. :crying:
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