Six Nations: Alex Mitchell to start for England as Marcus Smith returns to the bench for Ireland match | Rugby Union News
Alex Mitchell will start at scrum-half for England against Ireland with Marcus Smith set to make his first appearance in this year’s Six Nations having been named on the bench.
Fly-half Smith has not featured for England since the World Cup due to a calf injury, while Mitchell missed out against Scotland after suffering a knee injury against Wales.
The changes mean Danny Care drops to the bench, from where he hopes to be brought on for his 100th Test appearance.
The other changes from head coach Steve Borthwick see George Martin come into the pack, moving Ollie Chessum from lock to flanker, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso make his first start on the wing, meaning Elliot Daly also drops to the bench.
“As always, we’ve selected what we think is our strongest 23 to leave us best-placed to win the game,” said Borthwick.
“Ireland are without doubt currently one of the best teams in the world, and we’ll have to be at our very best against them on Saturday.
“We’ve prepared well for what will be another classic Six Nations game at Twickenham.”
England team to face Ireland
England XI: 15. George Furbank, 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13. Henry Slade, 12. Ollie Lawrence, 11. Tommy Freeman, 10. George Ford, 9. Alex Mitchell, 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Jamie George, 3. Dan Cole, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. George Martin, 6. Ollie Chessum, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Ben Earl
Replacements: 16. Theo Dan, 17. Joe Marler, 18. Will Stuart, 19. Chandler Cunningham-South, 20. Alex Dombrandt, 21. Danny Care, 22. Marcus Smith, 23. Elliot Daly
More to follow….
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