Courtney Lawes, Mako Vunipola and Ben Youngs to start for England against Italy

by Frank Nickson Friday 12 February 2016

Courtney Lawes is one of three changes to England's starting XV against Italy

©PA

England have promoted Courtney Lawes, Mako Vunipola and Ben Youngs to their starting XV for Sunday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy in Rome.

England match-day 23 to face Italy

15. Mike Brown (vice captain, Harlequins, 44 caps) 14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 16 caps) 13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 17 caps) 12. Owen Farrell (vice captain, Saracens, 36 caps) 11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 11 caps) 10. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 18 caps) 9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 53 caps)

1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 28 caps) 2. Dylan Hartley (captain, Northampton Saints, 67 caps) 3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 57 caps) 4. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 43 caps) 5. George Kruis (Saracens, 11 caps) 6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 44 caps) 7. James Haskell (Wasps, 63 caps) 8. Billy Vunipola (vice captain, Saracens, 22 caps)

Replacements16. Jamie George (Saracens, 4 caps) 17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 38 caps) 18. Paul Hill (Northampton Saints, uncapped) 19. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 29 caps) 20. Maro Itoje (Saracens, uncapped) 21. Jack Clifford (Harlequins, 1 cap) 22. Danny Care (Harlequins, 54 caps) 23. Alex Goode (Saracens, 19 caps)

Lawes replaces Joe Launchbury in the second row, Vunipola has been chosen ahead of Joe Marler at loosehead prop and Youngs is preferred to Danny Care at scrum-half for the trip to the Stadio Olimpico.

All three of the demoted players drop to the replacements, which also include uncapped lock Maro Itoje.

To accommodate the addition of Itoje, who has been in outstanding form for Saracens this season, head coach Eddie Jones has opted for a six-two split on the bench with centre Ollie Devoto dropping out.

"We've made a few changes to the line-up for Italy. I believe this is the strongest 23 to go to Rome and get the performance and result we want." Jones said.

"Mako, Ben and Courtney have been pushing hard for selection during training, but they also fit the game plan we want to implement against Italy.

"Danny, Joe Marler and Joe Launchbury will all have a significant role to play to finish the game."

Lawes, Vunipola and Youngs produced strong cameos off the bench when appearing as second-half replacements in the 15-9 victory over Scotland last Saturday.

It was Vunipola's smart off-load that acted as the catalyst for Jack Nowell's crucial try, a score that swept England clear to launch the Jones era with a solid but unspectacular win.

The likely debut of Itoje is the biggest source of excitement, however, as the 21-year-old is a second row of vast potential who has been making headlines at Saracens due to his athleticism and power.

"Maro has consistently impressed me this week and, together with his excellent club form, has deserved his call up to the matchday squad," Jones said.

Italy were edged 23-21 by France in Paris last Saturday and while Jones has called for England to give the Azzurri a "good hiding", he is also refusing to underestimate them.

"We are confident we can go to Rome and win, but we're in no doubt of the challenge we face. Italy took France very close so they'll be fired up," Jones said.

"It has been an intense week of training and I am pleased with how the group have responded to some of the things we've asked them to do," Jones said.

Devoto and Josh Beaumont will travel to Rome with the squad as reserves.

Jamie George is yet to sign the hybrid contract

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Courtney Lawes, Mako Vunipola and Ben Youngs to start for England against Italy

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