Rugby: Rugby-Furbank and Lawrence back for England to face Scotland

February 22, 2024 Sukan 6 Views

LONDON (Reuters) – George Furbank was a surprise inclusion at fullback while Ollie Lawrence will start at inside centre for England in Saturday’s Six Nations game away to Scotland after coach Steve Borthwick made five changes to his starting team on Thursday.

Freddie Steward, one of England’s most consistent performers in recent years, misses out on the match 23 as Furbank, who is less assured in the air but brings more attacking verve, gets his first action of the championship.

Lawrence, back from a hip injury, will add his powerful ball carrying from inside centre in place of Fraser Dingwall, who is also out of the squad.

With Alex Mitchell ruled out with a knee injury, Danny Care will start his first Six Nations game for six years, winning his 99th cap. Ben Spencer is on the bench and in line for his first appearance since his cameo at the end of the 2019 World Cup final.

There are also changes at prop with Ellis Genge and Dan Cole starting, while George Martin, also back from injury, is named among the replacements where he offers another powerful flanker/lock option.

England team to play Scotland on Saturday (16.45GMT)

15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)

14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 59 caps)

12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)

11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 66 caps)

10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 93 caps) – vice captain

9. Danny Care (Harlequins, 98 caps)

1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 59 caps) – vice captain

2. Jamie George (Saracens, 87 caps) – captain

3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 109 caps)

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 78 caps) – vice captain