Te’o back as central figure for England

STADIO OLIMPICO Tomorrow, 3pm

ITALY v ENGLAND

BEN Te’o will make his first England appearance in almost a year after being picked at outside centre for the NatWest 6 Nations clash with Italy in Rome.

Te’o has ousted Jonathan Joseph from the No.13 jersey after completing his recovery from the high ankle sprain that ruled him out for three months, a spell that included the autumn series.

Head coach Eddie Jones has opted for the rugby league convert’s powerful ball-carrying and smart running lines over the slick footwork of Joseph, who is included on the bench.

The Stadio Olimpico showdown tomorrow will be the first time Te’o, who won two caps for the British and Irish Lions last summer, has played since October.

His only previous start for England was also against Italy 12 months ago when he crossed for a late try in a match dubbed ‘ruckgate’ because of the tactics employed by Conor O’Shea’s Azzurri.

Ben Youngs has held off the challenge of Danny Care at scrumhalf and will link up with George Ford at half-back with Owen Farrell assigned as the foil to Te’o in midfield.

The void at No.8 created by injuries to Billy Vunipola and Nathan Hughes is filled by Sam Simmonds, the in-form Exeter back row who serves as an effective ball-carrier despite lacking the size of his rivals for the position.

Courtney Lawes slots in at blindside flanker and Chris Robshaw at openside with Maro Itoje present at lock, where he partners Joe Launchbury.