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England makes three changes for Italy

England have made three changes to their team to play Italy in the Six Nations in Rome on Sunday.

England have made three changes to their team to play Italy in the Six Nations in Rome on Sunday with lock Maro Itoje in line to make his debut from the bench.

After beating Scotland 15-9 in Edinburgh in his first game in charge, coach Eddie Jones on Friday promoted scrumhalf Ben Youngs, lock Courtney Lawes and prop Mako Vunipola to the starting team after all impressed as replacements at Murrayfield.

Danny Care, Joe Launchbury and Joe Marler were dropped to the bench, joining the uncapped Itoje, England's former under-20 captain, as Jones opted for six forwards and two backs among his replacements.

Back-rower Josh Beaumont and utility back Ollie Devoto will also travel with the squad to gain experience of Test match rugby.

England: Mike Brown, Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Jack Nowell, Ben Youngs, Billy Vunipola, James Haskell, Chris Robshaw, George Kruis, Courtney Lawes, Dan Cole, Dylan Hartley (capt), Mako Vunipola. Replacements: Jamie George, Joe Marler, Paul Hill, Joe Launchbury, Maro Itoje, Jack Clifford, Danny Care, Alex Goode.


1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



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