JOE MARLER WILL start on the bench when England aim to end a 13-year wait for a Grand Slam against France in Paris on Saturday night (8.00pm).
The Harlequins prop has been named among the replacements as Eddie Jones bids to end his first Six Nations campaign as England head coach with a crucial fifth victory at the Stade de France.
Marler was cleared to play yesterday after disciplinary officials decided to take no action against him for striking Rob Evans and calling Samson Lee a “gypsy boy” during separate incidents in England’s 25-21 win against Wales on Saturday. Marler’s place in the starting line-up will be taken by Mako Vunipola.
England, who have already secured the Six Nations championship, have made one other change to their side, with Danny Care taking the place of Ben Youngs at scrum-half.
England (v France)
15. Mike Brown
14. Anthony Watson
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Owen Farrell
11. Jack Nowell
10. George Ford
9. Danny Care
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Dylan Hartley (captain)
3. Dan Cole
4. Maro Itoje
5. George Kruis
6. Chris Robshaw
7. James Haskell
8. Billy Vunipola
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Joe Marler
18. Kieran Brookes
19. Joe Launchbury
20. Jack Clifford
21. Ben Youngs
22. Manu Tuilagi
23. Elliot Daly
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England coming down hard on Marler there, dropped to the bench for one game when theyre already champions
be interesting to see what goes in this game with both sides knowing neither set of players have been held to account for anything all tournament
It’s hard to believe what the French and English get away with. Think back to the fuss the French made in the World Cup about the Sean O Brien push. It’s hard to believe he was banned for that.
Allez le bleu
Bench boy