Specialist selected to leave Jack Nowell sitting on the sidelines after being trusted by Eddie Jones for the big one in Dublin
Eddie Jones is the ultimate tinkerman. He does not make major changes when England lose but at the same time he always keeps things fresh, even when they have a performance like they did against Ireland. I can’t think of a single time he has named an unchanged team and so it comes as no surprise he has tweaked his side more than expected to play France.
You have to feel for Jack Nowell. He was given a golden ticket against Ireland and anyone who is trusted like that must be extremely valuable. Now he has effectively got a match ticket. But ultimately, when you have as much strength as England do on the wings, it comes down to the gameplan. In that respect, Chris Ashton’s selection makes sense. He is a try scorer and England must fancy their chances of pulling France around the park, tiring them out and picking them off.
Related: Six Nations: Chris Ashton returns to face France as England go on the attack
It is one of the more surprising sequences in rugby union – France have not won a Six Nations match at Twickenham for 14 years, and have won only twice there since the game turned professional in 1995:
Related: Chris Ashton: ‘A year ago I’d never have thought I’d be playing France’
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