Marcus Smith drops to the bench, with Elliot Daly making a first start at full-back for England in four years. Jamie George will become the seventh England men's player to reach 100 caps after being named at hooker, while centre Fraser Dingwall makes just a third Test start.

Finally, this was the moment when England’s words matched their deeds, at least in terms of their attacking endeavour. Steve Borthwick has consistently talked about his side’s determination to play a high-tempo game that harnesses the athletic prowess of their back five and the speed of their back three.

England kept alive its Six Nations rugby title hopes by running in seven tries in a bonus-point 47-24 win over Italy at Twickenham on Sunday that extended its perfect all-time test record against the Azzurri.