London (AFP)
The captain of the XV of the Rose Owen Farrell will be at the opening for the first match of the Six Nations Tournament against Scotland on Saturday at Twickenham, in place of George Ford who will be on the bench, while England will defend his title during this edition which will be played in an uncertain health context.
It will be the first time since the 2019 World Cup quarter-final won against Australia that the Leicester player will be a replacement.
Absent at the start of last fall's campaign due to an Achilles tendon injury, he had resumed his spot for matches against Wales and France.
In the center, where Farrell played in previous meetings, coach Eddie Jones has privileged the physical by starting for the first time Ollie Lawrence.
This 21-year-old hope was illustrated during the Autumn Cup by the power of his charges.
For the rest, the back lines will be those of the team that beat France in the final at Twickenham in overtime two months ago.
In the forwards, third row wing Mark Wilson and second row Jonny Hill are back as starters.
Bath pillar Beno Obano is meanwhile on the bench and could get his first cape.
Experienced second row Courtney Lawes returns after injury as a substitute.
While Kyle Sinckler is suspended, Will Stuart will hold the right pillar for the first time.
Four other important elements of the pack are missing: the third line Sam Underhill, the second line Joe Launchbury and the pillar Mako Vunipola on injuries, and the pillar Joe Marler, for personal reasons.
Composition of the XV of England against Scotland:
Daly - Watson, Slade, Lawrence, May - (o, cap.) Farrell, (m) Youngs - Curry, B. Vunipola, Wilson - Hill, Itoje - Stuart, George, Genge
Alternates: Cowan-Dickie, Obano, Williams, Lawes, Earl, Robson, Ford, Malins
Coach: Eddie Jones (AUS)
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