Guinness Six Nations: France vs England |
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place: Groupama Stadium, Lyon date: Saturday 16 March Starting: 20:00 GMT |
coverage: Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds; Live text updates and highlights on the BBC Sport website and app; Watch on ITV1 |
Elliot Daly will replace Emmanuel Faye-Wabusu on the wing in England's only change to the starting XV for the Six Nations final against France.
Ethan Roots will replace the injured Chandler Cunningham South on the bench, with Manu Tuilagi also involved.
France will be unchanged in Lyon from their win over Wales last time out.
Tuilagi (32 years old) returns to the international arena for the first time since England won the bronze medal over Argentina in the World Cup last year.
The center will not face 19-year-old nephew Bussolo Tuilagi, as the lock has been left out of the France squad.
England could still win the Six Nations if they beat France by a bonus point and Ireland fail to collect a point against Scotland.
Coach Steve Borthwick said: “After such a difficult win over Ireland last week, we know how important it is to back up this performance with another similar display in Lyon on Saturday.
“France is still one of the best teams in the world and will pose a big challenge for us.
“We have made fantastic preparations so far this week, and there is a real sense of anticipation and determination in camp as we head into what will be an exciting final weekend.”
As for France, Thomas Ramos continues his duties in the absence of the injured Mathieu Jalibert and Romain Ntamack.
Elsewhere, Emmanuel Miafo, center Nicolas Deportier and fullback Leo Barry all won their second match after making their Cardiff debut.
France also hold faint title hopes, but must win the bonus point and overturn a 76-point deficit over Ireland, who must also finish empty-handed.
Formations
France: Wild. Benaud, Fico, Deporter, Bel Bary; Ramos, Lou Jarric; Bailly, Marchand, Atonio, Flament, Miavo, Croce, Ollivon, Aldrete (captain).
Replacements: Mauvaka, S Taofifenua, Colombe, R Taofifenua, Romat, Boudehent, Lucu, Moefana.
England: Forbank. Freeman, Slade, Lawrence, Daly; Ford Mitchell. Genge, George (Captain), Cole, Itoje, Martin, Chisum, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: Dunn, Marler, Stewart, Roots, Dombrandt, Kerr, M. Smith, Tuilagi.
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