Nearly time
The English and French gamers are within the tunnel and about to stroll out onto the Twickenham pitch – not lengthy to go now!
Ash concern
England legend Chris Ashton just isn’t certain this was the fitting sport to convey Fin Smith in – the previous winger is frightened concerning the magnitude of the sport.
He instructed BBC 5Llive: “I’m an advocate for Fin Smith, however I do not know why he is been picked to start out on this sport.
“Steve Borthwick had Japan within the autumn and determined to not play him. Smith’s a unbelievable participant and he’s very a lot a staff organiser.
“It is only a large sport to throw him into.”
Fin edge
Fin Smith is aware of precisely why he is been introduced into the staff.
He instructed Rugby Union Weekly: “If I can get the assault flowing, get a few of the a few of the superior backs we have got into the sport, then I am going to really feel like I’ve put in an honest efficiency
“The principle factor I need to do is is give these guys a platform and and actual readability about what I need from them and hopefully permit them to excel themselves.”
The stage is about…
Depressing situations in TW2 hasn’t stopped followers popping out in power for one of many greatest matches within the event.
The stands are persevering with to fill however different followers stay outdoors having fun with the final of their – in all probability soggy – picnics.
Penaud returns
Regardless of the spectacular 43-0 received over Wales, French coach Fabien Galthie has additionally made two adjustments to his staff.
Les Bleus have been handed a serious enhance for the sport with Damian Penaud coming in on the wing.
Penaud has scored 36 tries in 53 caps and is simply two tries away from Serge Blanco’s all-time document.
He replaces Theo Attissogbe regardless of his two tries final weekend.
Matthieu Jalibert has additionally are available at fly-half after Romain Ntamack was banned for a sport for a late crimson card.
England expects
Steve Borthwick’s staff will should be quite a bit higher than they have been in Eire final week.
Whereas they defended manfully, particularly within the first half, there was an actual lack of attacking menace and Eire’s class finally instructed.
Borthwick has made a giant change to his beginning XV to attempt to give his assault some tooth.
Marcus Smith has been moved from fly-half to full-back and Fin Smith has are available at No 10.
Freddie Steward, who missed a sort out for a strive, has been dropped to the bench.
There may be additionally a change on the wings with Northampton Saints strive machine coming in for Cadan Murley.
Murley scored on debut however has been dominated out of this one due to an harm.
