England keep the same backline for Saturday’s crunch at Paris while Ollie Chessum starts at blindside. For punters, France remain favourites — and need a win with a try bonus to secure the title — so markets may favour a France match-winner or a France with try-bonus bet; England’s recent form suggests cautious backing of England in handicap markets rather than moneyline plays.
England name near-identical backline as Chessum shifts to blindside for Super Saturday
England have opted for continuity in the backs for their Six Nations finale against France, keeping the same starting backline that has been selected since the Rome defeat in this rugby challenge. The only change to Steve Borthwick’s matchday XV is a reshuffle in the back row, with Ollie Chessum named to start at blindside flanker and Sam Underhill dropping to the bench.
Back-row tweak is the sole alteration
Chessum starts at six for the first time this tournament, Guy Pepper moves to openside and Ben Earl remains at number eight. That is the only personnel change from the team that suffered a surprise loss to Italy, a result that intensified scrutiny of Borthwick and England’s Six Nations campaign.
Pressure mounts on England after disappointing campaign
England began the Championship with a win over Wales but were subsequently beaten by Scotland, comprehensively beaten by Ireland and then stunned by Italy. Sitting fifth, another defeat in Paris would cement England’s worst-ever Six Nations finish. Despite the turmoil, Borthwick has kept faith in the backline ahead of ‘Le Crunch’.
Borthwick reflects on the challenge
“It’s a huge challenge under the lights in Paris against a very strong France side,” Borthwick said, stressing the significance of the rivalry and the occasion.
France’s title chase and tournament permutations
Defending champions France still top the table. Their superior points difference means a win — ideally with a try bonus — would secure the Championship, depending on the result of Ireland v Scotland earlier on Super Saturday. England could technically finish bottom if results and points difference swing heavily, but that would require an extraordinary set of outcomes.
What this means for bettors
France enter as favourites given form and the prize at stake. Punters may prioritise the match-winner market for France or explore France-to-win-with-try-bonus options, while caution is advised on backing England to win outright given their inconsistent form. Handicap and points markets might offer value if you expect a tighter contest.
England XV to face France
Daly; Roebuck, Freeman, Atkinson, Murley; Fin Smith, Ben Spencer; Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes; Maro Itoje (c), Alex Coles; Ollie Chessum, Guy Pepper, Ben Earl
Replacements
Luke Cowan-Dickie, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Chandler Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill, Henry Pollock, Jack van Poortvliet, Marcus Smith
Milestones
Sam Underhill and Marcus Smith are both set to earn their 50th Test caps from the bench.
Match context and outlook
England will need cohesion up front and composure in the backline to arrest a slide that has seen their title hopes evaporate.
France, despite a recent unexpected defeat to Scotland, have the attacking firepower to secure the bonus point they need.
'Banged up' Wainwright set to face Italy for Wales
Expect a high-stakes, emotionally charged encounter in Paris with significant implications for both teams’ immediate futures.
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