Furbank in at fullback, Sinckler on bench for England against France

LONDON : England coach Eddie Jones has brought in George Furbank to play fullback, switching Freddie Steward to the wing, in the team announced on Thursday for England's final Six Nations game against France in Paris on Saturday.

Steward, who is 6ft 5ins (195.5cm) has been impressive at fullback but Jones no doubt feels that by selecting him on the wing he can put pressure on France's 5ft 11in (180cm) Gabin Villiere.

Furbank, who appeared as flyhalf and fullback in his five previous appearances, last played in the autumn series win over Tonga.

Ben Youngs, an expert kicker, also returns to the starting lineup in another indication of England's probable tactics as they seek to prevent France completing a grand slam.

Henry Slade and Joe Marchant line up in the centres, while Nick Isiekwe returns to the second row in place of suspended Charlie Ewels. Prop Kyle Sinckler, who has had limited training after suffering a head knock in last week's defeat by Ireland, is on the bench as Will Stuart starts at tighthead.

In the absence of the injured Tom Curry, Sam Underhill comes in at openside flanker for his first appearance of the championship, with Sam Simmonds at Number Eight.

England, who lost their opening game to Scotland, are seeking to avoid three Six Nations defeats in successive seasons.

ENGLAND XV15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)14. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 11 caps)12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 47 caps)11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 38 caps)10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 9 caps)9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 116 caps)1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 35 caps)2. Jamie George (Saracens, 65 caps)3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 19 caps)4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 55 caps)5.