Tom Curry captains new-look England in Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield

Will Macpherson3 February 2022

Tom Curry will become England’s youngest captain since Will Carling in 1988 when he leads a new-look side out at Murrayfield to take on Scotland in the Calcutta Cup on Six Nations opening weekend.

Curry captains the side at 23, in the absence of the injured Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes. Also missing are Jonny May, Jonny Hill, Anthony Watson, Manu Tuilagi and Sam Underhill, giving England’s side a makeshift feel.

Eddie Jones has made a number of bold selection calls, with Ellis Genge (one of two vice-captains alongside Henry Slade) starting over Joe Marler, who recently overcame Covid-19, at loosehead, Elliot Daly starts at outside centre for the first time since 2016 and Joe Marchant is on the left wing despite only coming out of Covid isolation today.

Curry is restored to his favoured position on the openside flank in a mobile back-row that sees Sam Simmonds preferred to Alex Dombrandt at No8 and Lewis Ludlam at blindside.

Saracens’ Nick Isiekwe makes just his second England start – and first appearance for more than four years – alongside club-mate Maro Itoje at lock, with Charlie Ewels on the bench.

Genge pips Marler at loosehead prop, while Luke Cowan-Dickie beats Jamie George to the starting hooker berth. Kyle Sinckler, as usual, is at tighthead.

Marcus Smith retains the No10 jersey ahead of the recalled George Ford (who is among the replacements). Smith starts alongside Ben Youngs – who accounts for 112 of the starting XV’s 452 caps – and inside Slade and Daly.

Daly started at outside centre for the British and Irish Lions last summer but has largely operated in the back three for England. Max Malins and Marchant line up on the wings, with Freddie Steward at full-back.

Tom Curry will captain England for the first time against Scotland at Murrayfield
PA

“As the first game, this match is hugely important to both sides and we will both want to get off to a winning start,” said Jones

“We have a good, young team but we understand the task ahead and we’ll be ready to go after it from the first kick.

“We have prepared really well for this game. We’ve had a number of obstacles thrown at us, but we’ve overcome them as a more together group and we’re looking forward to getting started.”

If the starting XV looks mobile, the bench brings power in the form of Dombrandt, who has been in sparkling form for Harlequins, and Jack Nowell, who is in line for his first England appearance since the 2019 World Cup, since when he has been plagued by injury.

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