Regular England captain Chris Robshaw was restored to the side announced Tuesday for the World Cup hosts’ second warm-up match against France in Paris on Saturday.
The Harlequins flanker was one of 14 changes made by coach Stuart Lancaster to his starting side, with only try-scoring wing Jonny May retained from the XV that ran out to defeat France 19-14 at Twickenham last weekend.
Robshaw will form a back row alongside veteran James Haskell and Billy Vunipola.
It is the same loose forward trio which started the final match of last season’s Six Nations against France, with 12 of that XV which won 55-35 at Twickenham five months ago — a result that still wasn’t good enough for England to clinch the title — lining up in Paris.
Meanwhile Wasps lock Joe Launchbury is set to play his first international in 12 months after returning from injury while there is also a place in the matchday 23 for the first time for Saracens hooker Jamie George.Â
England team announced Tuesday to play France in a World Cup warm-up match at the Stade de France, Paris on Saturday (1900 GMT kick-off):
England (15-1):
Mike Brown; Jack Nowell, Jonathan Joseph, Luther Burrell, Jonny May; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Billy Vunipola, Chris Robshaw (capt), James Haskell; Courtney Lawes, Joe Launchury; Dan Cole, Tom Youngs, Joe Marler
Replacements: Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, David Wilson, Dave Attwood, Nick Easter, Danny Care, Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees
– Agence France-Presse
