England have sprung a surprise by naming Chris Ashton in place of Jack Nowell for Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with France at Twickenham.
Nowell impressed through his work-rate and carrying in the 32-20 victory over Ireland but has lost his spot on the right wing to Ashton, who makes his first Championship start since 2013.
Ashton is well known to France’s players after spending a season at Toulon in which he set a new Top 14 try-scoring record of 24 touch downs in 23 appearances before joining Sale last summer.
“We have gone for Chris Ashton on the wing because we think he might sneak us a try early in the game,” head coach Eddie Jones said.
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“We’ve just got a gut feeling he’ll be right for the start and Jack will be right for the end.
“Jack was absolutely outstanding for us against Ireland, absolutely outstanding, so it’s just a different role for him this time.
“He’s got a great work-rate and can fill a number of positions. At the end of the game that work-rate is going to be important.”
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