Exeter's Ethan Roots (left) and Northampton's Fraser Dingwall (right) will both win their first friendly matches in England's Six Nations opener against Italy
| Venue: Olympic Stadium, Rome Date: Saturday, February 3rd Begin: 14:15 GMT |
| Cover: Listen on ` Radio 5 Sports Extra; Live text and post-match highlights on the ` Sport website and app; Watch live on ITV1 |
Ethan Roots and Fraser Dingwall will make their England debuts against Italy in Rome on Saturday, the opening weekend of the Six Nations.
Dingwall, 24, will be named at center center alongside the returning Henry Slade and Roots will start as a flanker on the blind side.
The experienced George Ford will direct England's attack from half-time.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has also benched the unused trio of Chandler Cunningham-South, Fin Smith and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
Hooker Jamie George's reign as captain begins in Rome, while Tommy Freeman is rewarded with a starting spot on the wing for his impressive form as Northampton Saints climb to the top of the Premiership table.
“After an excellent week of preparation in Girona, we are looking forward to the challenge of playing against Italy in Rome,” said Borthwick.
“The Azzurri are a dangerous team with some talented ball carriers and players who like to find space.”
“We have to make good decisions, maintain our discipline and maintain a level of intensity from the first whistle to the last.”
Speaking about the inclusion of five uncapped players on Matchday 23, Borthwick added: “Winning a first cap for your country is always a very special occasion.”
“We are delighted for the debutants, who have all worked incredibly hard to be included in the 23 teams for the game against Italy. I know Saturday will be a very proud moment for the players and their families.”
“My message to them this week was to be themselves, take advantage of their opportunity and play with the strengths and skills that deservedly made them part of a strong Six Nations squad.”
New Azzurri head coach Gonzalo Quesada has named his first team since replacing Kieran Crowley.
Lock Federico Ruzza looks set to win his 50th cap, while the Garbisi brothers – fly-half Paolo and scrum-half Alessandro – will start together in a friendly for the first time.
Flanker Michele Lamaro is the only captain to retain the role from last year's Six Nations, while Tommaso Menoncello returns to the side at centre-back after missing the World Cup through injury.
Italy picked up the wooden spoon last year and have never beaten England, but former Argentina fly-half Quesada says his players quickly adapted to the introduction of his “new methods”.
The new faces of England's new era
There could be five England debuts in the Eternal City. This figure has only been exceeded once, when seven players won their first cap against Scotland in 2012.
It is a clear sign of a new era.
Courtney Lawes, Mako Vunipola, Ben Youngs and Jonny May have retired from international duty, while several players plying their trade abroad are ruled out of selection and former captain Owen Farrell is taking a break from Test rugby The season will move to France this year.
There is still plenty of experience in the form of George, his vice-captain Ford, experienced prop Joe Marler, lock Maro Itoje and winger Elliot Daly.
But they are supported by a mix of young talent. Dingwall has been involved in 10 previous England camps and eventually earned a cap without Farrell and Manu Tuilagi, while 26-year-old New Zealand-born flanker Roots has played his way into the side after a breakthrough campaign for Exeter Chiefs .
Borthwick have picked players in good form and 21-year-old fly-half Fin Smith is benefiting from his impressive run for Northampton and is on the bench.
The talented Feyi-Waboso, 21, is among the substitutes, as is the powerful ball carrier of the 20-year-old flanker Cunningham-South.
Lineups
Italy: Alan; Capuozzo, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; P. Garbisi, A. Garbisi; Fischetti, Lucchesi, Ceccarelli, N Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro (captain), L Cannone.
Substitute: Nicotera, Spagnolo, Zilocchi, Zambonin, Iachizzi, Zuliani, Varney, Pani
England: Steward; Freeman, Slade, Dingwall, Daly; Ford, Mitchell; Marler, George (Capt), Stuart, Itoje, Chessum, Roots, Underhill, Earl.
Substitute: Dan, Genge, Cole, Coles, Cunningham-South, Care, F. Smith, Feyi-Waboso
Reader team
On Monday we asked for your England starting XI to face Italy.
At forward, Ellis Genge and Ben Curry are different from Borthwick's starting XI, while Smith and Feyi-Waboso are the only other changes in defense.
Smith (42.71%) edged out Ford (40.13%) in the battle for the number 10 jersey. Captain George (92.91%) received the most starting votes, followed by Itoje (78.05%) and Freddie Steward (71.41%).
Readers start England XV: Steward; Freeman, Slade, Dingwall, Feyi-Waboso; Smith, Mitchell; Genge, George (Capt), Stuart, Itoje, Chessum, B Curry, Underhill, Earl.
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