England team: Steve Borthwick makes bold backline calls as Marcus Smith returns while age-grade sensation set for much-anticipated debut
England head coach Steve Borthwick and potential debutant Henry Pollock.
Steve Borthwick has made four changes to his England XV to face Wales in the final round of the Six Nations Championship in Cardiff on Saturday.
Two of those are in the backline as Marcus Smith returns at full-back, with Elliot Daly shifting to the wing as Ollie Sleightholme drops out.
Ollie Lawrence’s injury means that Tommy Freeman moves to centre with the inexperienced Tom Roebuck coming into the XV.
Up front, there are also a couple of alterations as Jamie George drops to the bench after earning his 100th cap last weekend, which means Luke Cowan-Dickie comes in at hooker.
George is joined among the replacements by Tom Willis as Ben Curry starts alongside his twin brother Tom at flanker, while Ben Earl is at number eight.
“We’re excited to face Wales at the Principality Stadium this weekend, one of the most iconic venues in rugby,” Borthwick said.
“The atmosphere will be electric, and we know we’ll need to be at our very best to get the result we’re aiming for.”
Plenty of backline movement
The changes mean that none of the starting back three that began the match against Italy are in the same position for the Wales encounter, with Daly switching from full-back to wing.
There is also another new centre pair – although they at least have a club connection – as Freeman combines with fellow Northampton Saint, Fraser Dingwall.
The half-backs remain unchanged, however, with Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell once again lining up together after impressing during the 2025?Six Nations.
Lock is also untouched with captain Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum the partnership in the engine room, while Ellis Genge and Will Stuart continue at prop.
It is a big game in particular for Stuart, who will reach 50 caps when he runs out in Cardiff.
“Reaching 50 caps is a well-deserved milestone for Will and a testament to the hard work he’s shown throughout his career,” England’s head coach said.
“We’re excited to see him reach this landmark on Saturday and look forward to seeing him continue delivering performances at the highest level.”
On the bench, the Red Rose have continued with the 6-2 split as Jamie George, Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes cover the front-row.
Chandler Cunningham-South and Willis also remain in the 23 but there is a place for age-grade star Henry Pollock, who could make his debut this weekend.
Jack van Poortvliet is once again the reserve scrum-half while the experienced George Ford could make his first appearance of the 2025 Six Nations as he completes the squad.
England’s team to face Wales
England: 15 Marcus Smith, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Ben Curry, 6 Tom Curry, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 3 Will Stuart, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Henry Pollock, 21 Tom Willis, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 George Ford
Date: Saturday, March 15
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 16:45 GMT
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Pierre Brousset (France), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
