"Smith on the Bench" - Expected England XV to Face France This Saturday
Rugby NewsTuesday, 07 March 2023 at 11:51
England take on France this Saturday, in a must-watch match in the 2023 Guinness Six Nations. After a week off, the 'World's Greatest Championship' returns for round 4, with 'Le Crunch', the featured event at Twickenham Stadium once again.
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Flying winger Max Malins has retained his spot in the squad, after being cleared for his recent ankle injury. Gloucester's Jonny May was called up to reinforce Steve Borthwick's back-three but does not make the match day squad. Ollie Hassell-Collins is also not in the squad, despite his fantastic performance for London Irish last weekend.
Max Malins of England on the break during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
England fans are excited to see the return of Manu Tuilagi to the training squad. The Sale Sharks man was suspended from selection, after his red card offence against Northampton Saints. Tuilagi's 'forearm hit' to Tommy Freeman sent the centre to the stands, with Ollie Lawrence prospering with inspired performances in his absence.
Marcus Smith of England on the break beats Sione Tuipulotu of Scotland and Pierre Schoeman of Scotland during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Marcus Smith has been recalled to the England squad, after his week's absence saw him dropped by Steve Borthwick. Smith will re-join the squad at Brighton College for training, which co-incidentally was were the Harlequins fly half went to school.
Smith's 'Player of the Match' performance against Exeter Chiefs has got him back in the England fold, as he led Quins to a 40-5 victory in Big Game 14, at Twickenham Stadium.
Here is the expected England team to face France this Saturday.
Back Three
Anthony Watson of England Rugby goes over for a try during the Six Nations Championship match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on March 13 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
15. Freddie Steward
14. Max Malins
11. Anthony Watson
Centres
Ollie Lawrence of England is tackled by Tommaso Allan of Italy during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
13. Ollie Lawrence
12. Henry Slade
Half Backs
Owen Farrell, Captain of England kicking during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
10. Owen Farrell
9. Jack van Poortvliet
Front Row
Ellis Genge of England on the break during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
- Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Kyle Sinkler
Locks
4. Maro Itoje
5. Ollie Chessum
Back Row
Try Celebrations for Jack Willis of England as he goes over for a try during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
6. Lewis Ludlam
7. Jack Willis
8. Alex Dombrandt
Replacements
Mako Vunipola applauds in the direction of the supporters at full-time followinga the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
16. Dan Cole
17. Jack Walker
18. Mako Vunipola
19. Ben Curry
20. Marcus Smith
21. Ben Youngs
22. Manu Tuilagi
23. Henry Arundell
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