Ben Youngs benched on brink of equalling England cap record
Harry Randall is the preferred starter at scrum-half against Italy with Youngs in line to equal Jason Leonard’s record of 114 caps if he comes on
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Ben Youngs will have to equal Jason Leonard’s England rugby cap record off the bench after being demoted for Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Italy.
Harry Randall is the preferred starter at scrum-half with Youngs included among the replacements as he chases Leonard’s milestone of 114 England appearances.
It is one of six personnel changes following the 20-17 Calcutta Cup defeat by Scotland, with head coach Eddie Jones also making two positional switches.
Elliot Daly has been squeezed out of the starting XV as part of a midfield reshuffle that sees Joe Marchant move to outside centre while Jack Nowell takes his place on the left wing.
The biggest changes are made up front where Luke Cowan-Dickie drops to the bench after conceding a crucial penalty try at Murrayfield, allowing Jamie George to take over at hooker.
Will Stuart is given a run out at tighthead prop in place of Kyle Sinckler and there is an appearance for Charlie Ewels in the second row where he will partner Nick Isiekwe.
A rejigged back row sees Alex Dombrandt replace Sam Simmonds at number eight and Maro Itoje take over from the injured Lewis Ludlam at blindside flanker.