England coach Eddie Jones has recalled Sam Simmonds at No 8 for Saturday’s Six Nations conflict with Eire at Twickenham.
Simmonds replaces Alex Dombrandt, now on the bench after a bout of coronavirus following England’s 23-19 win over reigning champions Wales in London final day out.
Tom Curry has handed the return-to-play protocols from a concussion to proceed at openside flank in a again row that additionally options England captain Courtney Lawes.
“He’s a strong character and a provider,” mentioned Jones of Simmonds. “He’s a really bodily defender, specifically with the way in which Eire assault he’s going to be necessary round that 10 [flyhalf] space.
Within the the one different change to the beginning XV, Joe Marchant is most popular forward of Elliot Daly at outdoors centre, the place he’ll accomplice Henry Slade in midfield.
“Joe is a specialist 13 [outside centre] who can play on the wing,” mentioned Jones. “He’s superb below the excessive ball. I simply suppose he may give us a bit extra direct carrying.”
England – 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Max Malins, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Henry Slade, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Harry Randall, 8 Sam Simmonds, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Courtney Lawes (c), 5 Charlie Ewels, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge.
Subs: 16 Jamie Blamire, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Alex Dombrandt, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 George Ford, 23 Elliot Daly.
© Agence France-Presse
