Te’o returns for England as Jones opts for power in Rome

Ben Te’o will make his first England appearance in almost a year after being picked at outside centre for tomorrow’s Natwest Six 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 conv er t’ s powerful ball-carrying and smart running lines over the slick footwork of Joseph, who is included 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 said.

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. His only previous start for England was also against Italy 12 months ago when he crossed for a late try.

Ben Youngs 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.

Seven Italians will be making their first appearance in the Six Nations – full-back Matteo Minozzi, centres Tommaso Boni and Tommaso Castello, flankers Renato Giammarioli and Sebastian Negri, lock Dean Budd and prop Simone Ferrari.

Benetton lock Alessandro Zanni returns after nearly two years out with injury and will become the seventh Italian to reach 100 international appearances.

Zebre left wing Mattia Bellini will make his first appearance in the tournament in nearly two years and Tommaso Allan starts at No 10 after missing the November Tests due to injury.