Jones reverts to Ford and Farrell again

EDDIE Jones has defended his decision to drop Ollie Lawrence despite the rookie England centre being limited to a peripheral role in the Calcutta Cup debacle last weekend, writes Duncan Bech.

Lawrence has been jettisoned from the squad altogether, losing his place for tomorrow’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Italy to Owen Farrell, who has moved position to accommodate the return of George Ford at fly-half.

The 21-year-old had to wait until the 63rd minute of the 11-6 mauling by Scotland to make his first carry as Farrell struggled to release his backline in an off-key display by England’s captain.

In three Test starts, Lawrence has touched the ball just ten times to provide minimal opportunity to perform the midfield bulldozing role entrusted to him by Jones.

Instead, the England boss has reverted to the trio of Ford, Farrell and Henry Slade by picking the same backline that started the Autumn Nations Cup final on December 6 when France were edged in sudden death.

“Scotland was a difficult game for Ollie, but he’s a young guy who is learning his trade. This is all part of learning his trade. He is going to be a great player for us,” Jones, pictured, said.

“We just think this is the right balance for this game. We know that George and Owen operate well together at ten and 12. And we’d like to get Henry into the game more.”

Jones has changed a third of the team humbled by Scotland, yet taken a conservative approach in selection against opponents who are 80-1 underdogs to avoid a 29th consecutive Six Nations defeat.

Courtney Lawes is picked at blindside flanker with Jack Willis present as replacement cover, while an all-new front row of Mako Vunipola, Luke CowanDickie and Kyle Sinckler will be let off the leash at Twickenham.

Vunipola has recovered after two months out with an Achilles injury and Sinckler is back from suspension, but Cowan-Dickie’s preference to Jamie George as starting hooker is a surprise.