Former internationals Austin Healey and Nick Easter combined on BT Sport to select their England XV for their Six Nations opener against Scotland on Saturday.
Steve Borthwick’s side will take on Scotland in the historic Calcutta Cup at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 4 February (4.45pm KO).
Henry Slade has withdrawn from the squad with a hip injury sustained in Exeter Chief’s game against Castres, before last week’s training camp, and has not recovered sufficiently to be available for selection
Jamie George has been named in the squad and will continue to work through his Graduated Return to Play protocols. Anthony Watson has also been recalled following injury.
Tasked with picking the England XV for the opener at Twickenham, Easter was in charge of picking the pack while Healey selected the backline.
Reacting to the team, one fan wrote: “Glad they aren’t selecting,”
Another said: “Woah. Really not much flair or invention there…”
“Hope not. Not interested in another day of box-kicking,” a third commented.
Nick Easter/Austin Healey England XV
FRONT-ROW:
Loosehead-prop: Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
Hooker: Jack Walker (Harlequins)
Tighthead-prop: Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
SECOND-ROW:
Lock: Maro Itoje (Saracens)
Lock: Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs)
