England Rugby Makes Sweeping Changes for Italy Six Nations Clash

England head coach Steve Borthwick has made a dramatic overhaul to his squad, announcing nine personnel changes and three positional shifts for their upcoming Six Nations match against Italy in Rome on Saturday. This marks the most significant changes England has made between Six Nations matches since the tournament expanded in 2000.

Smith to Start at Fly-Half in Revamped Backline

Fin Smith will take the starting position at fly-half, replacing George Ford. This is Smith’s first start since the autumn internationals. Ben Spencer also joins the starting lineup, while Ford and Alex Mitchell (injured) have been dropped from the squad entirely. The backline has been completely reshuffled following disappointing performances against Scotland and Ireland.

Key Changes Across the Pitch

Alongside Smith and Spencer, Cadan Murley and Tom Roebuck will feature on the wings, with Seb Atkinson slotting in at center. Elliot Daly will take over fullback duties from Freddie Steward, who was substituted before halftime in the defeat to Ireland. Tommy Freeman will move from the wing to outside center. In the pack, Jamie George, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, and Tom Curry are among those joining the starting XV.

Itoje to Captain, Earl Reaches Milestone

Maro Itoje will captain the side, and number eight Ben Earl is set to win his 50th cap, having made his debut against Scotland in 2020. Borthwick highlighted Earl’s consistency and leadership as key attributes.

Borthwick Addresses Performance Concerns

Borthwick emphasized the necessitate for improvement following recent defeats, stating that the changes reflect a response to standards not being met in the previous two games. He expressed his commitment to holding the team accountable to those standards and striving for a better performance against Italy. “We’re expecting a big test in Rome and it’s one the players are really looking forward to,” Borthwick said. “We know the challenge Italy will bring at the Stadio Olimpico, and we’ve selected a team we believe will deliver the level of performance we’re striving for.”

Italy Presents a Growing Challenge

Despite England’s historical dominance with 32 wins in 32 encounters against Italy, Borthwick acknowledged the growing strength of the Italian team under Gonzalo Quesada. Italy is considered the strongest Azzurri squad since joining the Six Nations in 2000.

England Team to Face Italy

Starting XV: Elliot Daly, Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, Seb Atkinson, Cadan Murley, Fin Smith, Ben Spencer; Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje (c), Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Tom Curry, Ben Earl.

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Ollie Chessum, Sam Underhill, Henry Pollock, Jack van Poortvliet, Marcus Smith.