Danny Care and Mako Vunipola come into England's starting XV for France - Ruck
Six Nations 2023

Danny Care and Mako Vunipola come into England’s starting XV for France

17 March 2016
Rugby Rucker
  • Danny Care and Mako Vunipola will start for England as they attempt to secure their first Grand Slam title since 2003
  • Scrum-half Care and loose-head prop Vunipola replace Ben Youngs and Joe Marler respectively
  • Youngs and Marler are on the bench as England make two changes to the XV that started in the 25-21 win over Wales
Danny Care and Mako Vunipola will start for England in Saturday’s Six Nations clash with France in Paris as Eddie Jones’ men attempt to secure their first Grand Slam since 2003.

Care and Vunipola replace Ben Youngs and Joe Marler, who both drop down to the bench, in two changes to the starting side that beat Wales 25-21 at Twickenham last weekend.

“While we are pleased to have already won the championship, we don’t want to let our foot off the gas.” revealed head coach Eddie Jones.

“The objective has always been to win every game, to be the most dominant team in Europe, so it’s been very important for us to approach this week with the same level of intensity we have shown in previous weeks.  

 

“I’m pleased with how we have prepared and with the focus the squad have shown.

“You can’t underestimate any team in Test match rugby. France are a dangerous side, but we go to Paris full of confidence and a hunger to get the win.”

The thrilling victory over Warren Gatland’s men, combined with Scotland’s win against France, resulted in England claiming their first Six Nations title for five years last weekend – but the big prize is on offer in Paris on Saturday.

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George Ford, 9 Danny Care; 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Kruis, 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 James Haskell, 8 Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Jack Clifford, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 Manu Tuilagi, 23 Elliot Daly