Nowell has part to play, insists Jones

By Mark Stevens
8/2/19

England head coach Eddie Jones insists Jack Nowell will have a part to play in Sunday’s Six Nations Championship clash with France at Twickenham.

After helping England kick-off their campaign with a 32-20 victory in Ireland last week, the gifted Exeter Chiefs back has been dropped to the bench by Jones, who instead has opted for Sale Sharks winger Chris Ashton as one of two changes to his starting line-up.

It will mark Ashton’s first Championship start since 2013 and is a tough call on Cornishman Nowell, who impressed many in Dublin with his work-rate and carrying abilities.

“We have gone for Chris Ashton on the wing because we think he might sneak us a try early in the game,” said Jones. “We’ve just got a gut feeling he’ll be right for the start and Jack will be right for the end.

“Jack was absolutely outstanding for us against Ireland, absolutely outstanding, so it’s just a different role for him this timeHe’s got a great work-rate and can fill a number of positions. At the end of the game that work-rate is going to be important.”

In the other change to the England line-up, Northampton’s Courtney Lawes replaces Saracens lock Maro Itoje, who has been ruled out with a knee injury.

Nowell, meanwhile, will be joined on the England bench by club-mates Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ben Moon, while Henry Slade retains his place in the midfield alongside Manu Tuilagi after he scored two tries against the Irish.