Rugby
Tom Hamilton, Senior Writer 3y

England start Malins, drop Daly to bench for Six Nations clash against France

Rugby, Six Nations

England have made three changes for Saturday's Six Nations match against France at Twickenham, with Max Malins starting at fullback.

Malins has six caps for England, but this is his first Test start as he replaces Elliot Daly in the starting XV at No. 15. Daly drops to the bench while Luke Cowan-Dickie and Charlie Ewels also start.

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Cowan-Dickie gets the nod at hooker, with Jamie George on the bench, while Ewels starts ahead of Jonny Hill. England have opted for a five-three split on the bench between forwards and backs with centre Ollie Lawrence included.

"This France game is one we are really looking forward to," Eddie Jones said. "We are of course disappointed that we can't defend the championship, but that makes this an even more important game.

"We want to show what we are capable of. The squad have competed really hard in training since Sunday. I believe this is the best 23 to really take the game to France and get us on the front foot."

England welcome France to Twickenham having won just one of their first three matches in this season's Six Nations. They fell in the opener to Scotland, then dispatched Italy in Round 2 but lost to Wales 40-24 in Round 3.

England team:

Starting XV:

Max Malins, Anthony Watson, Henry Slade, Owen Farrell (captain), Jonny May, George Ford, Ben Youngs; Mako Vunipola, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Charlie Ewels, Mark Wilson, Tom Curry, Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: Jamie George, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Jonny Hill, Ben Earl, Dan Robson, Ollie Lawrence, Elliot Daly.

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