England Line-Up Named for Six Nations Opener

Steve Borthwick has named his side for their Six Nations opener against defending champions Ireland.

Harlequins Cadan Murley will make his England debut on the wing, with his Quins teammate Marcus Smith winning the battle for the fly half spot.

Alex Mitchell has returned from injury to start at scrum half.

In the forwards the Curry twins start together for England for the first time, with Ben Earl at number 8 to complete the backrow.

Luke Cowan-Dickie comes in for the injured former captain Jamie George at hooker.

On the bench Borthwick has gone for a 6-2 split as Tom Willis looking to make his second cap on the back of brilliant club form.

Freddie Steward starts at full back as he will look to make the shirt his own again with George Furbanks absence.

England Line-Up:

1.Genge

2. Cowan-Dickie
3. Stuart
4. Itoje ©
5. Martin
6. T. Curry

7.B. Curry

8. Earl
9. Mitchell
10. M. Smith
11. Murley
12. Slade
13. Lawrence
14. Freeman
15. Steward

Replacements: Dan, Baxter, Heyes, Chessum, Cuningham-South, Willis, Randall, F.Smith