Fans unimpressed by 'safe' leaked England XV for Six Nations opener

RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content 

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The dynamic duo is poised to lead the charge alongside seasoned scrum-half Danny Care in England's upcoming Guinness Six Nations opener against Italy this Saturday.

Reports from Telegraph Sport suggest that England's head coach, Steve Borthwick, initially intended to field Marcus Smith as the starting fly-half. However, fate had other plans as the Harlequins playmaker suffered a setback with a calf injury on Monday.

The Telegraph Sport further unveiled the complete XV set to take the field, completing the intriguing lineup for England's highly anticipated Six Nations clash against Italy.

Reacting to the selection, one fan wrote: "Yawn yawn yawn. Ford at 10? Daly on the wing? Same old kick-fest tactics I imagine. It's cruel punishment when you think we could have had Mitchell, either Smith at ten and Feyi at wing. Try something new Borthwick!"

Another commented: "I do wonder if we might have missed an opportunity? I rate Ford, Marler, Daly etc highly but when will you get a better chance to give some of the newer players a cap in a high pressure game, because you're not doing it against Ireland, Scotland or France. Feels a little "Safe""

A third wrote: "Care and Daly. Against Italy. Why?? Understand Ford I guess but I would have gone with F.Smith."

Another said: "A bit underwhelming tbh,"

1. Joe Marler

2. Jamie George

3. Will Stuart

4. Maro Itoje

5. Ollie Chessum

6. Ethan Roots

7. Sam Underhill

8. Ben Earl

9. Danny Care

10. George Ford

12. Fraser Dingwall

13. Henry Slade

11. Elliot Daly

14. Tommy Freeeman

15. Freddie Steward

Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.

Surnames only will be accepted.