Steve Borthwick has made the most radical England overhaul in the professional era for the Six Nations clash against Italy, citing his players' failure to meet his 'unwavering standards'. Nine personnel changes and three positional switches have been made after back-to-back defeats, including a 42-21 loss to Ireland.
The entire backline is new, with Tommy Freeman the only survivor from the Ireland match, moving from wing to outside-centre. George Ford, Freddie Steward, Henry Arundell and Fraser Dingwall are dropped from the matchday squad. Fin Smith starts at fly-half, Seb Atkinson makes his Six Nations debut at inside-centre, Tom Roebuck returns on the right wing, Cadan Murley is selected on the left, and Elliot Daly provides experience at full-back.
In the pack, Ollie Chessum, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Henry Pollock are relegated to the bench, replaced by Alex Coles, Jamie George and Guy Pepper respectively. Ben Spencer starts at scrum-half due to an injury to Alex Mitchell, while Ollie Lawrence is also unavailable. Only Maro Itoje, Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes retain the same jerseys from the Ireland match.
Borthwick admitted his hand was forced by the performance against Ireland. 'There are certain things that, to me, are unwavering,' he said. 'Unfortunately, in the last two games, on certain things, we’ve not met those standards.' He emphasised the need for improved performance and result against Italy.
The head coach also hosted England football manager Thomas Tuchel in camp to discuss preparation differences between domestic and international rugby, particularly officiating interpretations. 'The officiating in Prem Rugby certainly awards the attack more than it does in international rugby,' Borthwick noted, acknowledging the team must bridge that gap.
