Jones makes three changes for Italy

England have made three changes to their team to play Italy in the Six Nations in Rome. Photo: Paul Childs/Reuters

England have made three changes to their team to play Italy in the Six Nations in Rome. Photo: Paul Childs/Reuters

Published Feb 12, 2016

Share

London - England have made three changes to their team to play Italy in the Six Nations in Rome on Sunday with lock Maro Itoje in line to make his debut from the bench.

After beating Scotland 15-9 in Edinburgh in his first game in charge, coach Eddie Jones on Friday promoted scrumhalf Ben Youngs, lock Courtney Lawes and prop Mako Vunipola to the starting team after all impressed as replacements at Murrayfield.

Danny Care, Joe Launchbury and Joe Marler were dropped to the bench, joining the uncapped Itoje, England's former Under-20 captain, as Jones opted for six forwards and two backs among his replacements.

Back-rower Josh Beaumont and utility back Ollie Devoto will also travel with the squad to gain experience of test match rugby.

Team: 1-Mako Vunipola, 2-Dylan Hartley (captain), 3-Dan Cole, 4-Courtney Lawes, 5-George Kruis, 6-Chris Robshaw, 7-James Haskell, 8-Billy Vunipola; 9-Ben Youngs, 10-George Ford, 11-Jack Nowell, 12-Owen Farrell, 13-Jonathan Joseph, 14-Anthony Watson, 15-Mike Brown

Replacements: 16-Jamie George, 17-Joe Marler, 18-Paul Hill, 19-Joe Launchbury, 20-Maro Itoje, 21-Jack Clifford, 22-Danny Care, 23-Alex Goode – Reuters

Related Topics: