England team v France: Steve Borthwick makes radical changes as Fin Smith takes playmaker role in Saints-laden backline while Freddie Steward axed again
Fin Smith and Tom Willis start for England against France.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has selected Fin Smith at fly-half for their Six Nations meeting with France at Allianz Stadium, as Marcus Smith moves to full-back.
The second round showdown will be the 111th match between England and France since the first meeting in 1906, with England coming off a loss to Ireland in round one.
The major change in selection comes at number 10 where Fin gets the nod, which leads to Marcus shifting to the number 15 jersey as Freddie Steward drops out of the squad.
Four Saints
There is also a start for fellow Northampton player Ollie Sleightholme on the left wing in place of the injured Cadan Murley as four Saints are given a run-out in England’s backs.
Otherwise, it is an unchanged midfield as Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence link up once again while scrum-half Alex Mitchell and wing Tommy Freeman round off the backline.
In the front-row vice-captain Ellis Genge takes the loosehead prop shirt, alongside Luke Cowan-Dickie at hooker and Will Stuart at tighthead prop in an unchanged starting trio.
At lock, England captain Maro Itoje is paired with George Martin as the former leads for the second match and will be determined to make it one to remember at Twickenham.
Meanwhile, the back-row sees Tom Willis earn a first Test start for England, lining up alongside Tom Curry on the blindside flank and Ben Earl at seven to complete the pack.
Jamie George, Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, Ollie Chessum, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Harry Randall and Elliot Daly will take their places on what is a 6-2 bench split.
“England versus France is an incredible fixture to be involved in,” said Borthwick ahead of a must-win Six Nations?fixture as pressure continues to mount on the head coach.
“We’re looking forward to being back at Allianz Stadium in front of our home supporters, for what I am sure will be a great game of rugby.”
England team to face France
England: 15 Marcus Smith, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Henry Slade, 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Tom Willis, 7 Ben Earl, 6 Tom Curry, 5 George Martin, 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 Ollie Chessum, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Ben Curry, 22 Harry Randall, 23 Elliot Daly
Date: Saturday, February 8
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 16:45 GMT
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Andrea Piardi (Italy), Damian Schneider (Argentina)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
