Six Nations news: Maro Itoje back as England captain for game against Scotland

Maro Itoje will lead England into Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Scotland after being restored to the starting XV for the trip to Murrayfield.

Itoje started on the bench for the 48-7 victory over Wales in England’s tournament opener following the recent death of his mother, but he now returns to the second row in place of Alex Coles.

The England skipper came on in the 50th minute at Allianz Stadium and went to the sin-bin almost immediately after an accumulation of team offences.

Jamie George captained the side in his absence, but the Saracens hooker moves to the bench against Scotland, with Luke Cowan-Dickie starting at hooker in the second and final change to the XV.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed rugby news you need, subscribe to The Rugby Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

Partnership continues

The backline that ran riot against Wales has been retained, with Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman continuing their all-Northampton centre partnership.

Henry Arundell, who ran in a hat-trick of tries against Wales, resumes on the left wing with Tom Roebuck taking the number 14 jersey.

Both selections were made easier after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was ruled out by a hamstring injury.

There is a third change to a bench that now contains George and Coles, with Fin Smith present ahead of Marcus Smith.

Fin Smith sat out the visit of Wales because of a calf issue, but has made a full recovery and so displaces his namesake from one of the two backline spots among the replacements.

Six-two split

Head coach Steve Borthwick continues with a six-two split between forwards and backs.

Should full-back Freddie Steward come off, Roebuck or Freeman will deputise in the backfield with Fin Smith providing cover at inside centre.

There is no place in the matchday 23 for Ollie Lawrence, even though the Bath centre has shaken off a knee problem.

England wrestled back the Calcutta Cup with a 16-15 victory at Twickenham last year and now their goal is to clinch a first win in Edinburgh since 2020.

Challenge

“Playing Scotland at Murrayfield is always a fantastic occasion and a challenge we are relishing,” Borthwick said.

“We made a pleasing start to the Championship, but we understand that we must continue to raise our standards.

“The squad has trained with focus and determination this week and we’re excited for the opportunity to test ourselves again on Saturday.”

The England team to face Scotland

England: Steward; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford (vc), Mitchell; Genge (vc), Cowan-Dickie, Heyes, Itoje (c), Chessum, Pepper, Underhill, Earl

Replacements: George (vc), Rodd, Davison, Coles, Curry, Pollock, Spencer, Smith

READ MORE: Jamie George: Calcutta Cup is next goal for England after Six Nations win over Wales