Courtney Lawes is back in England’s starting line-up for Sunday’s Six Nations trip to Italy, Dylan Hartley again leading the side out as one of three Saints in the squad.
Second row Lawes came off the bench in the 15-9 Calcutta Cup win last weekend, but will be in from the start in Round 2 as one of three changes, along with Mako Vunipola and Ben Youngs.
Paul Hill, who was part of the 23 at Murrayfield, is one of two uncapped players among the replacements at Stadio Olympico, Maro Itoje appearing in his first full England squad as Eddie Jones opts for a six-two split on the bench.
"We've made a few changes to the line-up for Italy," Jones commented. "I believe this is the strongest 23 to go to Rome and get the performance and result we want.
“Mako, Ben and Courtney have been pushing hard for selection during training, but they also fit the game plan we want to implement against Italy.
“We are confident we can go to Rome and win, but we’re in no doubt of the challenge we face. Italy took France very close last weekend in Paris so they’ll be fired up."
The match is being shown live on ITV and also in the Members Bar at Franklin’s Gardens. Doors open at 1pm on Sunday and entry is free, with food and drink available from the bar. CLICK HERE for more details.
ENGLAND TEAM TO PLAY ITALY
2016 Six Nations
Stadio Olimpico
Sunday, February 14th, 2016
Kick off 2pm
15 Mike Brown (Harlequins, 44 caps)
14 Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 16 caps)
13 Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 17 caps)
12 Owen Farrell (Saracens, 36 caps)
11 Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 11 caps)
10 George Ford (Bath Rugby, 18 caps)
9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 53 caps)
1 Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 28 caps)
2 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints, 67 caps)(capt)
3 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 57 caps)
4 Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 43 caps)
5 George Kruis (Saracens, 11 caps)
6 Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 44 caps)
7 James Haskell (Wasps, 63 caps)
8 Billy Vunipola (vice captain, Saracens, 22 caps)
16 Jamie George (Saracens, 4 caps)
17 Joe Marler (Harlequins, 38 caps)
18 Paul Hill (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
19 Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 29 caps)
20 Maro Itoje (Saracens, uncapped)
21 Jack Clifford (Harlequins, 1 cap)
22 Danny Care (Harlequins, 54 caps)
23 Alex Goode (Saracens, 19 caps)
