Borthwick keeps his faith in Ford
GEORGE Ford continues at flyhalf as England keep faith with the side that stunned Ireland for their attempt at winning the Guinness Six Nations title.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has made only one enforced changed for the showdown with France in Lyon on Saturday night by choosing Elliot Daly to replace the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
Feyi-Waboso self-reported concussion symptoms incurred against Ireland, prompting England to stand down their breakout player of the tournament.
Veteran Daly is restored to the left wing in his absence, with Tommy Freeman switching to the number 14 jersey worn by the 21-year Exeter Chief on his first international start.
Manu Tuilagi makes his first appearance of the Six Nations after taking Daly’s place on the bench in what will be his first Test since last autumn’s World Cup bronze medal match, having missed the opening rounds because of a groin problem.
Ford has held off the challenge of Marcus Smith to retain the fly-half duties for the climax to the tournament.
Smith kicked the last-gasp drop goal that sank Ireland 23-22 last Saturday and made a telling contribution off the bench, bring extra zip to England’s attack after Ford had pulled the strings effectively earlier on.
A second change among the replacements sees Ethan Roots replace calf injury victim
Chandler Cunningham-South. England will win the title if Ireland lose to Scotland without claiming a bonus point and they defeat France while securing a bonus point.
“After such a hard-fought win against Ireland last week, we realise how important it is to back that performance up with another similar display in Lyon on Saturday,” Borthwick said. “France remain one of the very top sides in the world and will pose a great challenge for us.
“We’ve had a great preparation so far this week and there is a genuine sense of anticipation and determination around the camp as we head to what will be an exciting final weekend.”