Alec Hepburn backed to cause a stir on his England debut

Rookie prop Alec Hepburn has been challenged to rip up the England pecking order against Italy on Sunday.

The sixth-choice loosehead will make his debut in Rome following injuries and suspensions to Joe Marler, Beno Obano, Ellis Genge and Matt Mullan.

Lions star Mako Vunipola is the only available No 1 but Hepburn has been given the seal of approval by Red Rose scrum coach Neal Hatley.

‘It’s a brilliant opportunity,’ said Hatley. ‘Alec’s first exposure to the England squad has been very good and the more pressure we can create the more competition the harder it forces the guys to improve.

‘He carries the ball well. Exeter keep the ball in play but he recognises he will be judged first and foremost on his set piece. He needs to front up and get a result for the team.

‘We will find at one minute past three on Sunday and he has shown all the right signs and is working his backside off and we are looking forward to seeing how he goes.’

Hepburn is hoping to transfer over his Exeter form alongside fellow prop Harry Williams.

Hepburn (tackling Chris Robshaw) will make his debut in Rome due to injuries and suspensions

Lions star Mako Vunipola is the only available No 1 to England head coach Eddie Jones

The young front-row forwards are both in contention to start at the Stadio Olimpico.

‘They live together and its handy they have that relationship but it will be different against Italy on the international stage,’ said Hatley.

‘Harry is a big man and he has added to the group. He has not just sat and received. He has been proactive worked hard and done a lot of extras and is I the video room doing he analysis and asking good questions

‘Alec has been part of a very good Exeter pack. He has played some big games this season – Leinster twice, Montpellier – so had some really good games and come out on top in a lot of those.’