England select Ollie Chessum to face France in Six Nations finale
Ollie Chessum has been named in the back row as England’s only change for their Six Nations finale against France on Saturday as they attempt to halt a three-match losing streak.
The 25-year-old shifts to blind-side flanker to add essential physical presence and line-out utility against the defending champions.
His inclusion comes at the expense of Sam Underhill, who drops to the replacements bench after starting last time out.
Guy Pepper moves across to open-side flanker to cover the absence of Tom Curry.
The injured forward continues to recover from a calf issue sustained during the warm-up in Rome.
Avoiding unwanted history
The national side had initially earmarked this fixture as a potential title decider before the tournament began.
Consecutive defeats by Scotland, Ireland, and Italy have instead left them languishing in fifth place.
Another loss this weekend would condemn the team to their worst championship campaign in 27 years.
Continuity across the backline
The back division remains completely untouched, with Fin Smith retaining the fly-half jersey.
Seb Atkinson and Tommy Freeman continue their midfield partnership.
In the engine room, Alex Coles once again partners captain Maro Itoje.
Among the replacements, both Underhill and Marcus Smith are poised to make their 50th international appearances if called upon.
France chase title retention
The hosts enter the weekend level on 16 points with Scotland at the tournament summit.
Les Bleus will know exactly what is required to retain their crown by the time they kick off.
Their title rivals face off earlier in the day, with the Scottish side hosting third-placed Ireland.
England matchday squad
- Starting XV: Daly; Roebuck, Freeman, S Atkinson, Murley; F Smith, Spencer; Genge, George, Heyes, Itoje (capt), Coles, Chessum, Pepper, Earl
- Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, Davison, Cunningham-South, Underhill, Pollock, Van Poortvliet, M Smith
