England has implemented nine alterations for their Six Nations match against Italy in Rome on Saturday.
This significant change is Steve Borthwick’s reaction to England’s consecutive defeats to Scotland and Ireland, losses that have dashed their championship aspirations.
Jamie George, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, Cadan Murley, Seb Atkinson, Tom Roebuck, and Elliot Daly will all be in the starting lineup, while Marcus Smith will be on the bench.
The entire backline has been revamped from the one that faced Ireland, with Spencer and Fin Smith taking over at half-back, stepping in for the injured Alex Mitchell and George Ford, who has been omitted from the matchday roster.
Fraser Dingwall, Freddie Steward, and Henry Arundell have also been left out, leading to Atkinson partnering Tommy Freeman in the centers, while Murley, Roebuck, and Daly make up the back three.
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In the forward pack, George takes over from Luke Cowan-Dickie at hooker, with Ollie Chessum among the substitutes. Alex Coles will start alongside captain Maro Itoje, while Guy Pepper returns to the blindside, with Henry Pollock on the bench. Ben Earl is set to earn his 50th cap from the No. 8 position.
Borthwick has chosen a six-two split for the bench, with Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith as the backs.
“We anticipate a significant challenge in Rome, and the players are genuinely eager for it,” Borthwick stated. “We understand the difficulties Italy will present at the Stadio Olimpico, and we have assembled a team we believe will achieve the performance level we are aiming for.”
Regarding Earl’s 50th cap, Borthwick remarked: “Achieving 50 caps for England reflects Ben’s professionalism and the reliability of his performances. He is a key leader within this squad, someone who upholds standards and contributes energy daily. This is a remarkable milestone, and he should take great pride in it.”
