CHISELDON’S Jonny May has been selected to start in England’s Six Nations opener against France on Saturday.
Head coach Eddie Jones has made five changes to the starting XV that defeated Australia at the beginning of December, a victory that saw his side go unbeaten in the calendar year.
Former Ridgeway School pupil May, who started in that 37-21 success, has been moved to the right wing, to allow for the addition of Wasps’ Elliot Daly, who replaces Harlequins’ Marlande Yarde.
“We’ve been able to select a very strong and experienced team to play against France and we are excited to get the tournament underway,” said Jones ahead of the clash at Twickenham.
“There’s a great rivalry between the countries so we’re looking forward to a great occasion playing against one of England’s oldest foes.
“It’s exciting to be back at Twickenham. We’ve got great supporters and we’re looking forward to hearing them turn up the volume on Saturday.”
England match-day 23: 15. Mike Brown (vice captain, Harlequins, 55 caps), 14. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 22 caps), 13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 29 caps), 12. Owen Farrell (vice captain, Saracens, 47 caps), 11. Elliot Daly (Wasps, 8 caps), 10. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 30 caps), 9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 65 caps), 1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 46 caps), 2. Dylan Hartley (captain, Northampton Saints, 79 caps), 3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 69 caps), 4. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 37 caps), 5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 53 caps), 6. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 7 caps), 7. Tom Wood (Northampton Saints, 45 caps), 8. Nathan Hughes (Wasps, 3 caps).
Replacements: 16. Jamie George (Saracens, 12 caps), 17. Matt Mullan (Wasps, 13 caps), 18. Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, 4 caps), 19. Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints, 5 caps), 20. James Haskell (Wasps, 70 caps), 21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 66 caps), 22. Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors, 3 caps), 23. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 18 caps).
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