George Furbank will make his Test debut for England at fullback in their Six Nations opener against France in Paris on Sunday.
England coach Eddie Jones has named a relatively experienced side, which only features a few changes from the team that face the Springboks in the 2019 World Cup final.
One of those comes in the back three, as Jones has opted to give Northampton Saints rookie Furbank his first Test start after Anthony Watson was ruled out through injury. Elliot Daly will shift from fullback to wing, with Jonny May completing the back three.
England captain Owen Farrell will reunite with George Ford in the 12-10 partnership that did so well for England in the World Cup. Manu Tuilagi is at outside centre, while Ben Youngs continues as the starting scrumhalf.
In the pack, Billy Vunipola’s broken arm means that Tom Curry will move to No 8, causing Courtney Lawes to shift from lock to flank and Bath lock Charlie Ewels to return to the starting lineup.
The only other change to the team that played in the final sees Joe Marler start at loosehead prop, forming a powerful front row with Jamie George and fit-again Kyle Sinckler.
England – 15 George Furbank, 14 Jonny May, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Owen Farrell (c), 11 Elliot Daly, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Tom Curry, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 Charlie Ewels, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Joe Marler.
Subs: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 George Kruis, 20 Lewis Ludlam, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 Ollie Devoto, 23 Jonathan Joseph.
Photo: Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
