Chiefs trio to face the French

By Mark Stevens
4/12/20

Three Exeter Chiefs stars have been named in Eddie Jones' England side to face France in a Quilter International this weekend.

England will host Les Bleus at Twickenham Stadium in the final of the Autumn Nations Cup on Sunday [2pm].

Centre Henry Slade keeps his place in the midfield alongside skipper Owen Farrell, while Chiefs club-mates Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jonny Hill have again been named amongst the replacements.

In the only change to the team that beat Wales at Parc y Scarlets last weekend, Anthony Watson comes in at right wing with Jonny May continuing on the other flank and Elliot Daly at full-back.

England’s unchanged forward pack sees Mako Billy Vunipola make his 50th Test start at No. 8.

Jones said: “We’re really looking forward to this final, playing France and having another chance to win a trophy this autumn.

“We’d like to congratulate the tournament organisers on putting this on in difficult circumstances.

“Over the past two months the players have put in real effort, worked very hard on and off the pitch and have met the protocols and new ways of working.

“This has been another positive learning week with tough, hard training and we’re looking forward to getting on the pitch in front of our fans and playing a good game of rugby.”

England reached the final after topping Pool A with wins over Wales, Ireland and Georgia.

England team to face France

15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 46 caps)
14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 45 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 33 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, capt 87 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 60 caps)
10. George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 71 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 103 caps)
1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 63 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 53 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 39 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 42 caps)
5. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 68 caps)
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 27 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 55 caps)

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 25 caps)
17. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 22 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 7 caps)
19. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps)
20. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 7 caps)
21. Dan Robson (Wasps, 6 caps)
22. Max Malins (Bristol Bears, 2 caps)
23. Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 4 caps)