England coach Eddie Jones has brought in George Furbank to play fullback, switching Freddie Steward to the wing, in the team announced on Thursday for England’s final Six Nations game against France in Paris on Saturday.
Steward has been impressive at fullback but Jones no doubt feels that by selecting him on the wing he can put pressure on France’s Gabin Villiere.
Furbank, who appeared as flyhalf and fullback in his five previous appearances, last played in the autumn series win over Tonga.
Ben Youngs, an expert kicker, also returns to the starting lineup in another indication of England’s probable tactics as they seek to prevent France completing a grand slam.
Henry Slade and Joe Marchant line up in the centres, while Nick Isiekwe returns to the second row in place of suspended Charlie Ewels. Prop Kyle Sinckler, who has had limited training after suffering a head knock in last week’s defeat by Ireland, is on the bench as Will Stuart starts at tighthead.
In the absence of the injured Tom Curry, Sam Underhill comes in at openside flanker for his first appearance of the championship, with Sam Simmonds at Number Eight.
England, who lost their opening game to Scotland, are seeking to avoid three Six Nations defeats in successive seasons.
England XV:
George Furbank, Freddie Steward, Joe Marchant, Henry Slade, Jack Nowell, Marcus Smith, Ben Youngs, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje, Nick Isiekwe, Courtney Lawes, Sam Underhill, Sam Simmonds
Replacements: Nic Dolly, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Ollie Chessum, Alex Dombrandt, Harry Randall, George Ford, Elliot Daly