Tom Curry will lead his country for the Six Nations.
With Owen Farrell, Courtney Lawes and Jonny Hill all out injured, Eddie Jones has made some bold calls in his England team to face Scotland in their Six Nations opener.
Jones has paired Elliot Daly (13) and Henry Slade (12) in his midfield as he wants an experienced head and play caller near Marcus Smith, who will earn his sixth cap in the 10 jersey.
Joe Marchant and Max Malins are named on the wing, with Freddie Steward fullback and Ben Youngs set for cap number 113 at scrumhalf.
In the pack, Maro Itoje is partnered by Saracens second row Nick Isiekwe. Sam Simmonds gets the No.8 jersey ahead of Alex Dombrandt, who is named on the bench. Lewis Ludlam joins Simmonds and captain Curry in the back row. Eddie Jones commented:
“We have a good, young team but we understand the task ahead and we’ll be ready to go after it from the first kick.
“Tom Curry will captain the side for this game and has the respect of the team around him, in Owen and Courtney’s absence. He also has the support of the vice captains and other leaders in the team such as Maro Itoje and Ben Youngs.
“We have prepared really well for this game. We’ve had a number of obstacles thrown at us, but we’ve overcome them as a more together group and we’re looking forward to getting started.”
The bench also includes experienced players such as Jamie George, George Ford and Jack Nowell, as well as Joe Marler, who has recovered from his recent positive Covid spell.
England were defeated by the Scots at Twickenham in last year’s championship, so will be hell-bent on exacting revenge and reclaiming the Calcutta Cup.
ENGLAND TEAM
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 5 caps)
14. Max Malins (Saracens, 10 caps)
13. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 52 caps)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 43 caps)
11. Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 7 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 5 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 112 caps)1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 31 caps)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 31 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 47 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 51 caps)
5. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 3 caps)
6. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)
7. Tom Curry (c) (Sale Sharks, 36 caps)
8. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 9 caps)
Replacements
16. Jamie George (Saracens, 61 caps)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 74 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 15 caps)
19. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 26 caps)
20. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 4 caps)
21. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 2 caps)
22. George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 77 caps)
23. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 34 caps)
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