England Make One Change for France Clash

England has made a single alteration to their side for the match against France as they attempt to avoid their worst-ever finish in the Six Nations, with Ollie Chessum drafted in at blindside flanker.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has kept faith with the revamped backline that struggled during the 23–18 defeat to Italy in Rome. Fin Smith retains his place at fly-half for Saturday’s encounter in Paris.

Instead, Borthwick has adjusted his back-row selection by introducing Chessum in the number six shirt and shifting Guy Pepper to openside. Sam Underhill makes way and will begin the final match of the Championship on the bench.

Underhill had been promoted to the starting XV at the Stadio Olimpico after Tom Curry sustained a calf injury during the warm-up. However, for the clash with France, he will serve as a replacement as part of a six–two split between forwards and backs.

England Make One Change for France Clash (NewsCentral TV) — England’s players react at the end of the Six Nations international rugby union match between Italy and England at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, on March 7, 2026. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP)

By starting Chessum, Borthwick aims to reinforce England’s line-out and provide additional physical strength to confront France’s powerful pack.

The 25-year-old Leicester captain has spent most of his club and international career playing in the second row, and his last Test appearance at blindside flanker came during the 2024 Six Nations.

England

Elliot Daly; Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, Seb Atkinson, Cadan Murley; Fin Smith, Ben Spencer; Ben Earl, Guy Pepper, Ollie Chessum; Alex Coles, Maro Itoje (capt); Joe Heyes, Jamie George, Ellis Genge

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Chandler Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill, Henry Pollock, Jack van Poortvliet, Marcus Smith

Coach: Steve Borthwick (ENG)

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