England make one change as Chessum starts at lock

Guinness Men’s Six Nations: England v Scotland

Date: Saturday, 22 February Kick-off: 16: 45 GMT Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham

Ollie Chessum, who was assigned to the second row for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup game against Scotland at Allianz Stadium, will start for England for the first time in almost a year.

The only change to the team that defeated France in round two was George Martin, who chess partners captain Maro Itoje at lock.

Despite what it is believed to have been, Martin is still deemed fit enough to be named on the bench despite having a knee problem following that game.

Marcus Smith continues at full-back, with Fin Smith starting at fly-half after his man-of-the-match display in the thrilling win against Les Bleus.

Although head coach Steve Borthwick has faith in Marcus Smith, who is 15 years old, over Freddie Steward and Elliot Daly, Scotland may want to take the Harlequins’ back on an aerial test.

With games against Italy and Wales in the future, England, who have lost their previous four games to Scotland, will aim to maintain their title hopes.

After falling to title favorites Ireland in their opening game against Italy, Scotland are attempting to recover.

Gregor Townsend’s side are aiming to win the Calcutta Cup for a record fifth year running, having dominated recent matches.

Since playing in the back row against France on the final day of the previous year’s Six Nations, Chessum has not started for England.

Following his tireless start against Les Bleus earlier this month, Borthwick has given the Leicester Tigers forward a starting spot against the Scots.

Chessum’s role in bolstering the line-out, which allowed England to launch an attack that ended with Elliot Daly’s try, was also key.

The 24-year-old has had to endure a torrid time watching from the sidelines: he had shoulder surgery before a knee injury in the fall, and then he was first ruled out of England’s summer tour of Japan and New Zealand.

Former England wing Chris Ashton says Chessum’s versatility is a useful tool for Borthwick’s side.

“]Chessum] is like an Allen key, he just sorts everything out”, Ashton told BBC Rugby Union Daily.

“That ruck needs clearing – ‘ I’ll sort that. ‘ He needs an inside carry – ‘ I’ll get on that. ‘

” Line-out jump? ‘ Yeah I’ll do that. ‘ Kick-chase? ‘ I’ll go back and get that. ‘