Slade starts for England against France

By Mark Stevens
9/3/23

Henry Slade will start for England ahead of their Guinness Six Nations Championship clash with France at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday (4.45pm).

The Exeter Chiefs star lines-up in an England side that shows just one change to their starting line-up from that which defeated Wales last time out.

The change, however, is significant with Owen Farrell dropped to the bench, allowing Marcus Smith to come in at fly-half. In Farrell's absence, Bristol's

Ellis Genge will lead the side out as captain for the first time. He will be joined in the front row by prop Kyle Sinckler and hooker Jamie George.

In an unchanged forward pack from England’s 20-10 win over Wales, Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum are at lock with Jack Willis, Lewis Ludlam and Alex Dombrandt in the back-row.

Smith - fresh from starring for Harlequins in last weekend's Gallagher Premiership win over Exeter Chiefs - teams up with Jack Van Poortvliet at half-back with Slade and Ollie Lawrence forming the midfield.

Anthony Watson is on the left wing, Max Malins is on the right wing and Freddie Steward is full-back.

Borthwick said: “We look forward to welcoming a strong France team to Twickenham this weekend in what will undoubtedly be another exciting encounter in this year’s Six Nations competition.

“Over the last three years France have built a formidable side and with just three games behind us, this England team has an excellent opportunity to test itself against one of the very best teams in the world, as we progress and build on the foundations we have put in place in the short time we have been together.

“The players selected to face our visitors are again a reflection of what I see to be the right balance of personnel for the challenge we face in this game. Marcus Smith starts at fly half and Dave Ribbans returns to the match day 23.

“Congratulations to Ellis Genge who will captain the side for the first time. Ellis will lead from the front with the sort of dedication and spirit that now rightly typifies this England team.

“I know that a sold-out Twickenham will be in full voice, and that our magnificent supporters will make Saturday a very special occasion with a brilliant atmosphere.”

ENGLAND SIDE TO FACE FRANCE

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 20 caps)
14. Max Malins (Saracens, 17 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 54 caps)
12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)
11. Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers, 53 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 20 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 10 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, capt 46 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 75 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 59 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 65 caps)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 8 caps)
6. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)
7. Jack Willis (Toulouse, 8 caps)
8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 12 caps)

16. Jack Walker (Harlequins, 2 caps)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 77 caps)
18. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 98 caps)
19. David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
20. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 3 caps)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
22. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 104 caps)
23. Henry Arundell (London Irish, 5 caps)