Published 1 day ago • loading... • Updated 23 hours ago

Under-Fire Borthwick Makes Just One Change for France

On Saturday, England named Ollie Chessum at blindside flanker for the final Six Nations match at Stade de France in Paris, kick-off 8.10pm.
Faced with a failing lighter back row, England returned to a tactic favouring a big No 6 as Steve Borthwick moved Leicester Tigers' Ollie Chessum into the pack after the Ireland defeat.
Retaining a 6-2 bench split, Borthwick kept strong forward cover with Sam Underhill moving to the bench and Alex Coles pairing captain Maro Itoje in the second row.
A defeat on Saturday would leave England with four losses and their worst Six Nations return, with RFU's vote of confidence and an investigation after the tournament shaping Borthwick's future.
Borthwick kept his preferred young midfield pairing intact to foster continuity, while Chessum reclaims the blindside role last held in 2024 after Tom Curry's injury.

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Rugby Union Weekly

Rugby Union Weekly podcast featuring Ugo Monye, Chris Jones and Danny Care

Can England avoid their worst-ever Six Nations?

Rugby Union Weekly discuss England’s lone change — Ollie Chessum to blindside after Tom Curry’s calf issue — and back-row balance ahead of France following the Italy defeat

16 hours ago

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18 Articles

The Telegraph

Lean Right

England name Chessum at six as Borthwick sticks with back line against France

23 hours ago·London, United Kingdom

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The Independent

Lean Left

The shift in strategy behind England’s bid to salvage Six Nations against France

Ollie Chessum’s return to the blindside is more significant than might first appear as struggling England face a huge challenge in Paris

24 hours ago·London, United Kingdom

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Evening Standard

Center

Borthwick makes one England change in bid to avoid worst Six Nations

Under-fire head coach resists urge to make more sweeping alterations after historic Italy loss

1 day ago·London, United Kingdom

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PerthNow

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The Canberra Times

Center

After nine changes failed, England make one for France

England's beleaguered coach Steve Borthwick has made a single change from the XV humbled by Italy as he seeks an unlikely revival in Paris against France.

1 day ago·City of Perth, Australia

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The Independent (US)

Lean Left

England make one change for Six Nations clash with France after Italy horror show

1 day ago·United States

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RTÉ

Center

Under-fire Borthwick makes just one change for France

England have made only one change against France as they bid to avoid their worst-ever finish in the Guinness Six Nations by selecting Ollie Chessum at blindside flanker.

1 day ago·Ireland

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