George Furbank made a surprise start at fullback for England’s clash with Scotland on Saturday, with Steve Borthwick dropping Freddie Stewart and scoring five tries in a crucial Calcutta Cup clash Adjustment.
Furbank makes his seventh Test appearance for Steward and first in almost two years, while Ollie Lawrence has been named at inside center, Danny Care ) got the nod at scrum half, with Borthwick replacing two props in the starting XI against Scotland with Ellis Genge and Dan Cole.
Firbank’s selection recognizes his fine form for Northampton this season but comes as a surprise following Stewart’s impressive display against Wales last time out. The move echoes the selection of Marcus Smith at fullback during the World Cup, but Borthwick is clearly keen to have more kicking options in the No.15 shirt.
Furbank, 27, has previously made five appearances for England, including one at Murrayfield in 2020, their last win over Scotland, and Borthwick is confident of him as his side look to end their last six A dismal situation with only one win in the game. The rivalry between these two teams. It will be Furbank’s first appearance under Borthwick, but the current manager revealed the Northampton defender was already on his mind when it came to making his appointment in January.
“About eight months ago, he and I were talking about where I’d seen him,” Borthwick said. “What has he done? His body has changed, adapted a little bit to the way he plays, and I’ve seen him play really well. From a coaching standpoint, it’s been great to see the rise of these guys.”
Meanwhile, Lawrence moves into the wings to strengthen the midfield. Care also began in the absence of Alex Mitchell due to injury, while George Martin came on as a substitute to add further strength to England’s 23rd. Lawrence replaces Fraser Dingwall, who has withdrawn completely from the team after winning the first two games against Italy and Wales, who scored a crucial goal against Warren Gatland’s side. Lawrence, 24, had impressed for Bath and was expected to start in the England midfield but suffered a premature hip injury. However, Lawrence, now fully fit, has been given the green light to partner Henry Slade in the centre.
It is worth noting that Lawrence is preferred over Manu Tuilagi, who has also returned to fitness after injury. The 32-year-old has played little rugby since last year’s World Cup – where he broke his hand twice – and has been sidelined since December with a groin problem. He was available against Scotland but Borthwick opted for Lawrence, who served as Tuilagi’s understudy for much of the World Cup.
Lawrence’s return gives England’s backline a more direct running threat and adds strength – something Borthwick complained of lacking after the opening win over Italy. Meanwhile, Martin has returned to fitness after a knee injury and will make his first appearance since the World Cup semi-final against the Springboks.
With Mitchell out at half-time with a knee injury and coming on as a substitute against Italy and Wales, Kyle was the obvious choice to start. He has been backed by Ben Spencer and will make his first appearance for his country since the 2019 World Cup final as long as he comes off the bench at Murrayfield.
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Elsewhere, Borthwick rotated his props with Genge, who scored a crucial goal four years ago to start alongside Cole. Jamie George returns as captain from Hooker, Ollie Chessum and Maro Itoje return as regulars, and Ethan Roots returns , Sam Underhill and Ben Earl continue to sit in the back row. George Ford continued in the forward role, with Elliot Daly, Tommy Freeman and Firbank completing the back three. On the bench, Martin and Spencer were joined by Joe Marler, Will Stewart, Theo Dan, Chandler Cunningham-South, Finn Smith and Manny Fay-Wabo So.
“We are pleased with the start of the Six Nations but we know we will face a tough test in Edinburgh against an in-form Scotland team,” Borthwick said. “The atmosphere of any Calcutta Cup match is always special and I’m sure this weekend’s game at Murrayfield will be no different. This group of players are looking forward to Saturday’s challenge and creating some very special memories.”
England Firbank; Freeman, Slade, Lawrence, Daly; Ford, Care; Genge, George, Cole, Itoye, Chesham, Roots, Underhill, Earle. replacement Mahler, Stewart, Dan, Martin, Cunningham-South, Spencer, Smith, Fay Waboso
