2023 Six Nations Championship: Ole Hassell-Collins makes his England debut against Scotland

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Ole Hassell-Collins is third in the tries table this season with eight Places: Twickenham Stadium Date: Saturday 4 February Kick-off: 16:45 GMT Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live; Follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

Wing Ole Hassel Collins will make his England debut in Saturday’s opening Six Nations match against Scotland at Twickenham.

Manu Tuilagi is left out of the tour’s 23-man squad and Joe Marchant starts at outside center in Steve Borthwick’s first game as head coach.

Captain Owen Farrell will start at the age of 12 and partner Marcus Smith.

Flanker Ben Carey will pick up a second England cap 17 months after making his debut, stepping in in place of his injured brother Tom.

Borthwick said Twickenham fans – some of whom booed England when they lost to South Africa in November – would witness “the start of the next chapter of English rugby”.

He said, “The players are determined to play with the commitment, fight and desire that are at the heart of representing England, the kind of passion our formidable supporters rightfully expect.”

Jack van Poortvliet is England’s first-choice player, pushing the more experienced Ben Youngs, who has 121 caps for England, to the bench.

Wing Max Malins returns to the defense three, with Freddie Steward starting at linebacker.

In the first row, hooker Jimmy George – completing his return to play after suffering a concussion – will start as Luke Quan has a wild injury.

Ollie Chess partners Maro Itoje on the second row and Curry is joined by Louis Ludlam on the back row, with Alex Dombrandt eighth.

Off the bench, hooker Jack Walker may make his debut, veteran backup Dan Cole can earn his 96th cap and running back Anthony Watson may return after injury.

Six Nations: Smart rugby football experienced in the Six Nations, a new era, a new wing

Hassell Collins – who has been called up to the England training squads under former boss Eddie Jones – has done consistent performances for London Irish this season.

And Borthwick suggested he was looking forward to the future on the wing when he left Johnny May and Jack Noel out of the Six Nations squad last month.

Hassell Collins, 24, delivers pace and solidity under the high ball and in defense and is sure to be tested in the intense Calcutta Cup atmosphere.

Tuilagi, 31, has been a regular for England since making his debut in 2011 but has been plagued by injuries throughout his career.

He was overlooked despite his fitness as Borthwick turns to Marchant with Henry Slade, Elliott Daly and Dan Kelly all injured.

Tuilagi’s strength may be missed, but Marchant will bring speed and dynamism alongside fellow Harlequins-Smith.

Farrell was expected to start at fly-half before Slade’s injury meant he had to drop out to number 12 and make way for Smith.

England are seeking a revival under Borthwick ahead of the World Cup in September. They have won five from 12 tests in 2022 and just two from five matches in the Six Nations last year.

Scotland are the holders of the Calcutta Cup, having won 20-17 at Murrayfield last year, and recorded their first victory at Twickenham since 1983 on their last visit in 2021.

England: Steward. Mallins, Marchant, Farrell (captain), Hassell Collins; Smith, Van Portvleet; Genge, George, Sinclar, Etoge, Chisum, Ludlam, P Carey, Dombrandt.

Substitutes: Walker, M. Vunipola, Cole, Ezekwe, Earl, Youngs, Lawrence, Watson.

Scotland: Hogg; Stein, Jones; Tuipoloto, Van der Merwe; Russell White; Showman, Turner, Neil; R Gray, Gilchrist; Ritchie (Capt), Crosby, Fagerson M.

Subs: Brown, Bhatti, Bergan, J Gray, Dempsey, Horn, Kinghorn, Harris.

Analysis – “Dynamism on Power”

BBC rugby union correspondent Chris Jones

New system, new approach.

For years, England coaches would pick Tuilagi – when fit – no matter what, but Borthwick went instead for Marchant’s pace and athleticism.

He indicates a preference for dynamism and mobility over power, with Curry and Ludlam chosen on the wings to support this.

Hassell Collins has waited for his chance on the wing, with Borthwick praising his form over a number of seasons with London Irish as he rewards a number of players for their Premier League performances.

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