"Chessum comes into the side at blindside flanker to add to England's lineout options but Borthwick has named an unchanged back line despite last weekend's humiliating first ever defeat by the Azzurri which extended England's losing run to three matches."
"After the record defeat by Ireland, Borthwick ripped up his side and made 12 changes but on this occasion he has kept faith in his charges with a determination to double down on the kick-heavy tactic employed so far in the championship."
"Chessum is a lock by trade but impressed on occasion in the back-row when deployed there by Andy Farrell during last summer's British & Irish Lions tour of Australia."
England head coach Steve Borthwick made minimal changes to his squad for the final Six Nations match against France, recalling Ollie Chessum at blindside flanker to strengthen lineout options. Despite suffering a historic first defeat to Italy that extended their losing run to three matches, Borthwick kept the entire backline unchanged, including Ben Spencer and Fin Smith at halfback, Seb Atkinson at inside centre, and Tommy Freeman at outside centre. The forward pack saw Guy Pepper move to openside flanker with Sam Underhill returning to the bench. Borthwick maintained his commitment to the kick-heavy tactical approach employed throughout the championship, demonstrating determination to persist with the strategy despite recent poor results.
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Read at www.theguardian.com
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