Sinckler and Randall set for Calcutta Cup clash

Thursday, February 3rd 2022

Harry Randall is set for his Six Nations debut from the bench, while Kyle Sinckler is named in the England starting XV for Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland at BT Murrayfield (4.45pm KO).

Randall is named among the replacements for the mouthwatering showdown in Edinburgh, with Sinckler set to win his 48th cap in the front row.

Tom Curry will captain England, with Luke Cowan-Dickie (hooker), Ellis Genge (prop) and Henry Slade (inside centre) named as vice captains. Ben Youngs is at scrum half, Marcus Smith is at fly half and Elliot Daly is named at outside centre.

Joe Marchant has returned to the side after completing COVID isolation protocols at left wing, with Max Malins on the right wing and Freddie Steward at full back.

Kyle Sinckler starts at prop with Maro Itoje and Nick Isiekwe at lock. Lewis Ludlam is blind-side flanker and Sam Simmonds is No. 8.

Jamie George, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, Charlie Ewels, Alex Dombrandt, Harry Randall, George Ford and Jack Nowell are named as finishers.

"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.

"Tom Curry will captain the side for this game and has the respect of the team around him, in Owen and Courtney’s absence. He also has the support of the vice captains and other leaders in the team such as Maro Itoje and Ben Youngs.

"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."