Borthwick spices up England lineup

01/28/2025 09:27 AM

Twins Ben and Tom Curry will start together for England for the first time, along with uncapped winger Cadan Murley in their Six Nations opener against Ireland on Saturday.

The 26-year-old brothers, who both play for Premiership club Sale, will fill the flanker positions either side of No 8 Ben Earl for the Aviva Stadium clash. Tom Curry is given the No 6 jersey.

Murley will make his debut on the left wing in Dublin after being given the nod ahead of Ollie Sleightholme, who filled the position in England's most recent outing against Japan in November.

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Alex Mitchell has recovered from a knee problem to start at scrumhalf, with Marcus Smith at flyhalf. Maro Itoje will captain England for the first time.

“We're looking forward to the challenge of facing the tournament favourites,” England coach Steve Borthwick said on Tuesday.

“We know it'll be a tough contest against a team that's very familiar with each other. We'll need to work tirelessly and maintain our discipline from the first whistle to the last.”

Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images

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