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Joe Marler and Elliot Daly have been named in injury-hit England’s starting line-up for their Six Nations opener against France at Twickenham on Saturday.
Marler fractured his leg just four weeks ago, but the prop has recovered to take his place in a side that includes five changes from the line-up for the victory against Australia in December.
Daly was banned for the win over the Wallabies after he was sent off against Argentina, but the Wasps man returns on the left wing, with Jonny May on the other flank and Jack Nowell among the defending champions’ replacements.
Maro Itoje switches to blindside flanker to cover for the injured Chris Robshaw, so Joe Launchbury comes into the second-row in the absence of George Kruis (knee).
Fit-again flanker James Haskell and prop Matt Mullan return to the bench along with Nowell.
England head coach Eddie Jones said: “We’ve been able to select a very strong and experienced team to play against France and we are excited to get the tournament under way.
“There’s a great rivalry between the countries so we’re looking forward to a great occasion playing against one of England’s oldest foes.”
England team: Mike Brown, Jonny May, Jonathan Joseph, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly, George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Dylan Hartley (captain), Dan Cole, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Maro Itoje, Tom Wood, Nathan Hughes.
Replacements: Jamie George, Matt Mullan, Kyle Sinckler, Teimana Harrison, James Haskell, Danny Care, Ben Te’o, Jack Nowell.
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