Fraser Dingwall, Ethan Roots to make England debuts against Italy, George Ford at fly-half as Steve Borthwick names team
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Published 01/02/2024 at 14:39 GMT
England start their 2024 Six Nations campaign against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, February 3. Head coach Steve Borthwick has named his starting XV and it includes two debutants: Ethan Roots and Fraser Dingwall. George Ford starts at fly-half for England, who will be captained by Jamie George. Chandler Cunningham-South, Fin Smith and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are on the bench.
‘Always has a smile’ – People person George ready to captain England, says Borthwick
Ethan Roots and Fraser Dingwall will make their debuts for England against Italy on the opening weekend of the 2024 Six Nations.
Exeter’s Roots starts in the back row along with Sam Underhill and Ben Earl, while Northampton’s Dingwell is at inside centre alongside Henry Slade.
George Ford will be at fly-half in the absence of Owen Farrell, who is missing the tournament to prioritise his mental health, and the injured Marcus Smith.
Jamie George will captain the team.
England play Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday in their first game since finishing third at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
"After an excellent week’s preparation in Girona, we look forward to the challenge of playing Italy in Rome,” said head coach Steve Borthwick.
“The Azzurri are a dangerous team, with some talented ball carriers and players who like to find space. We’ll need to make good decisions, keep our discipline, and maintain a level of intensity to our performance from the first whistle to the last.”
England have named the uncapped trio of Chandler Cunningham-South, Fin Smith and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the bench.
"Winning a first cap for your country is always a very special occasion,” added Borthwick.
“We’re delighted for the debutants who have all worked incredibly hard to get themselves selected in the 23 to face Italy. I know Saturday will be a very proud moment for the players and their families.
“My message to them this week has been to be themselves, to grasp their opportunity, and to play with the strengths and skills that deservedly got them selected to a strong Six Nations squad."
The Six Nations starts on Friday evening as France host defending champions Italy in Marseille.
England starting XV: Steward; Freeman, Slade, Dingwall, Daly; Ford, Mitchell; Marler, George (capt), Stuart, Itoje, Chessum, Roots, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: Dan, Genge, Cole, Coles, Cunningham-South, Care, F Smith, Feyi-Waboso
- - -
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement