Chiefs duo in squad to face France

By Mark Stevens
17/3/2016

Exeter Chiefs duo Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan-Dickie have both been named in Eddie Jones' England squad for Saturday's crunch RBS Six Nations match against France in Paris (8pm).

The two Cornishmen both featured in last weekend's win over Wales, which has set up the opportunity for England to secure their first Grand Slam since 2003.

Nowell starts on the wing for the visitors, while Cowan-Dickie offers back-up at hooker to skipper Dylan Hartley.

England, meanwhile, make two changes to their starting XV from that which won 25-21 at Twickenham a week ago against the Welsh. Danny Care (Harlequins) and Mako Vunipola (Saracens) both start, replacing Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers) and Joe Marler (Harlequins), who both move to the bench.

Head coach Jones said: “We’ve picked our best 23 who we know can get the job done in Paris.

“Everyone wants to be on the field this Saturday so selection was nip and tuck. Danny Care starts at scrum half with Ben Youngs finishing the game. Mako Vunipola comes in at loose-head for Joe Marler who will make an impact off the bench.

“While we are pleased to have already won the championship we don’t want to let our foot off the gas. The objective has always been to win every game, to be the most dominant team in Europe, so it’s been very important for us to approach this week with the same level of intensity we have shown in previous weeks. I’m pleased with how we have prepared and with the focus the squad have shown.

“You can’t underestimate any team in Test match rugby. France are a dangerous side but we go to Paris full of confidence and a hunger to get the win.”

England match-day 23 to face France

15. Mike Brown (vice captain, Harlequins, 47 caps)
14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 19 caps)
13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 20 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (vice captain, Saracens, 39 caps)
11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 14 caps)
10. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)
9. Danny Care (Harlequins, 57 caps)

1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 31 caps)
2. Dylan Hartley (captain, Northampton Saints, 70 caps)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 60 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 3 caps)
5. George Kruis (Saracens, 14 caps)
6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 47 caps)
7. James Haskell (Wasps, 66 caps)
8. Billy Vunipola (vice captain, Saracens, 25 caps)

Replacements
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 2 cap)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins 41 caps)
18. Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints 16 caps)
19. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 31 caps)
20. Jack Clifford (Harlequins, 4 caps)
21. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 56 caps)
22. Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers, 26 caps)
23. Elliot Daly (Wasps, 2 cap)

Tommy Taylor (Sale Sharks) and Alex Goode (Saracens) will also travel with the squad to Paris.