- England looking to start title defence with victory against Italy in Eternal City
- Eddie Jones’s side beset by injury but still have plenty of talent on show
- Sam Simmonds comes in at No 8 and Ben Te’o starts from outside centre
England launch their Six Nations title defence with a trip to Rome to face Italy.
Eddie Jones’s side have been plagued by injuries but there is plenty of talent on show with the Australian opting for a muscular pack with Courtney Lawes starting at six.
Sam Simmonds comes in for the absent Billy Vunipola and Nathan Hughes at No 8 whilst Ben Te’o returns at outside centre outside the axis of George Ford and Owen Farrell.
England will be looking to lay down a marker and respond to Wales’ thumping bonus point win against Scotland and Ireland’s dramatic victory in Paris.