"Drop Genge, Steward" - Brian Moore picks his England XV for 2024 Six Nations opener

: "The international retirement of Courtney Lawes gives England the chance to look at a specialist No 6, and if they do so I would throw in Chandler Cunningham-South for his first cap.

Notably absent from Moore's lineup are seasoned stars Ellis Genge, George Ford, and Freddie Steward, as the rugby legend opts for a roster brimming with youthful vigor.

What sets Moore's selection apart is his keen emphasis on club form, a nod to the clamors of numerous England fans over the past couple of years.

The revered former player has carefully considered the in-form players from the club scene, injecting a fresh and dynamic energy into his chosen lineup.

Explore the full XV below and brace yourself for an exciting chapter in England's rugby journey.

Moore wrote in The Telegraph: "

George Furbank would probably edge this pick strictly on club form and this game would be ideal to see if the Northampton Saints full-back can make the decisive step into a starting role after his first series of England starts were inconclusive."

"I would go straight for Exeter’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. It would be his first cap, but opening against Italy is the least pressured of Six Nations debuts and, cynically, it would secure his allegiance for the forthcoming years.

"You can never choose a completely risk-free debut, but you will never have an understanding of any player’s potential unless you give them a chance."

Moore wrote in The Telegraph: |As Oscar Beard is also out through injury that leaves Fraser Dingwall, replacement call-up Max Ojomah or Daly. If Borthwick goes for the latter, it is the safe option but, given this is Italy, he should give Dingwall a start and just see where it goes."

Moore wrote in The Telegraph: "Picking half of the half-back picks is simple. Alex Mitchell’s club form has continued from his France 2023 heights, but it is which No 10 will play that signals Borthwick’s intent.

"Marcus Smith would suggest a Mitchell-Smith longer term partnership but there is no point preferring Smith over George Ford if the Quins No 10 is not given licence to play with alacrity and the inevitable mistakes that will come with that freer approach being tolerated, at least in the short term."

Moore wrote in The Telegraph: "As the best two scrummaging props, Joe Marler (if fit) and Dan Coleshould give England the absolutely necessary solid scrum ball, but it is at prop where England do not have flawless depth.

"Ellis Genge and Beno Obano are dynamic but not yet world-class scrummagers. On the tighthead there is no undisputed challenger to Cole, and this is something that England will need to solve to maintain set-piece solidity over a full game."

Moore wrote in The Telegraph: "They should continue their second-row partnership but both have to step up to consistent ball-carrying in the loose, as well as their primary roles in the scrum and line-out.

"This pairing has the feel of the Itoje-Kruis team that served England so well in the past. If they get anywhere near its effectiveness England will have a solid foundation for their pack."

6. Chandler Cunningham-South

"Alex Coles might be preferred for bulk and as a line-out option, but it would be interesting to see a conventionally balanced back row with Ben Earl at No 8 and Sam Underhill at openside flanker."

However, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is looking to become the sixth, as he orchestrates the men from the Emerald Isle into defending their Six Nations Grand Slam. In total, the Six Nations has been won by 13 different head coaches, and we challenge you to name them all in the next six minutes!

Your time starts... now! Good luck!