Exeter Chiefs Trio Return for Six Nations Finale

By Jack Lewis
17/03/22

After outstanding individual performances, despite coming on the losing side against Ireland last weekend, Chiefs trio Jack Nowell, Henry Slade & Sam Simmonds return to England's starting XV for the Six Nations finale in Paris this Saturday (kick off 8pm). 

Courtney Lawes will captain the side at blind-side flanker, while Sam Underhill (open-side flanker) makes his first appearance for England since their win over South Africa in November 2021.  They are joined in the back row by Simmonds, who will be looking to back up a strong performance at Twickenham last weekend against a physical French side playing for the Grand Slam!

England men’s most-capped player Ben Youngs starts at scrum half and Marcus Smith stays at fly half. Exeter Chief, Henry Slade is at inside centre and Joe Marchant starts at outside centre. Fellow Chief Jack Nowell is on the left wing, Freddie Steward moves to the right wing and George Furbank is at full back.

England Head Coach Eddie Jones said: “This is our strongest 23 for the game against France. We are disappointed not to be in the contention for the trophy but last week’s effort against Ireland was full of pride, energy and tactical discipline.

“We have focused on refreshing the team this week and we are ready to empty the tank on Saturday.”

England Team to face France:

15. George Furbank (Saints, 5 caps)
14. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)
13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 11 caps)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 47 caps)
11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 38 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 9 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 116 caps)

1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 35 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 65 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 19 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 55 caps)
5. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 6 caps)
6. Courtney Lawes (Captain) (Saints, 92 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 27 caps)
8. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 13 caps)

Finishers
16. Nic Dolly (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 78 caps)
18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 51 caps)
19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
20. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 8 caps)
21. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 5 caps)
22. George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 80 caps)
23. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 56 caps)