England squad to face Scotland in Six Nations opener confirmed as Ollie Hassell-Collins made debut

The Irish winger from London has worked his way into England’s starting XV after a fine campaign with the Exiles.

Manu Tuilagi completely missed the team of the day. In what is a major change for England, this may be the first time the selling center has been overlooked when it is adapted.

Harlequins number 8 Alex Dombrandt enters the back row, as expected, with Ben Curry earning only his second cap on the open flank, and Northampton’s Lewis Ludlam on the blind side.

Marcus Smith starts at fly-half with captain Owen Farrell at 12, while Ollie Chessum will partner Maro Itoje at lockdown.

Quins hooker Jack Walker is also set for his debut off the bench, with Saracens’ Jamie George starting to recover from a concussion.

“Another crowded Twickenham will see the start of the next chapter of English rugby in one of the most competitive tournaments in the world,” said head coach Steve Borthwick.

“There is no doubt that this England team shares the impatience of the supporters.

“For a man, the players are determined to play with the commitment, the fight and the desire that is at the very heart of representing England, the kind of passion that our tremendous supporters have rightly come to expect.”

The England team will face Scotland

Starting XV: F Steward (Leicester); M Malins (Saracens), J Marchant (Arlequins), O Farrell (Saracens), O Hassell-Collins (London Irish); M Smith (Harlequins), J Van Poortvliet (Leicester); E Genge (Leicester), J George (Saracens), K Sinckler (Bristol), M Itoje (Saracens), O Chessum (Leicester), L Ludlam (Northampton), B Curry (Sale), A Dombrandt (Harlequins).

Replacements: J Walker (Harlequins), M Vunipola (Saracens), D Cole (Leicester), N Isiekwe, B Earl (both Saracens), B Youngs (Leicester), O Lawrence (Bath), A Watson (Leicester).