Te’o given nod to return for 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 tomorrow.

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 on the bench.

“We’ve decided to give Ben Te’o a run but Jonathan is unlucky not to start and will play a significant role as a finisher,” Jones told englandrugby. com.

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

Ben Youngs has held off the challenge of Danny Care at scrum-half 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.

Ireland take on France in the second game of the championship today at the Stade de France. Kick-off is 4.45pm GMT.

Ben Te’o: will take the field for the first time since October.