England turn to Chessum in bid to solve lineout woes

England have made a single change to their side to face Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday, with Ollie Chessum starting in the second row.

- HARRY LATHAM-COYLE

The lock is named as partner to captain Maro Itoje, replacing Leicester colleague George Martin, who has been managing a grumbly knee and drops to the bench.

Otherwise, the starting team is the same as the one that beat France 10 days ago to revive England’s Six Nations title hopes. Steve Borthwick resists the urge to promote Jamie George off the bench despite an impactful cameo in that fixture, while the Fin Smith/Marcus Smith playmaking axis remains.

This is Chessum’s first start since the trip to Lyon at the end of last year’s Six Nations. The 24-year-old has struggled with injuries since then and came into this tournament still getting up to speed after recovering from a freak knee issue sustained just before the Autumn Nations Series.

His inclusion offers intriguing tactical hints, even in an otherwise familiar line-up. The retirement of Courtney Lawes has unbalanced England’s forward pack. It’s understated how unique the lock-turned-blindside was – few back rows can genuinely claim to be among the best breakdown operators in the world as well as a defensive enforcer and outstanding lineout jumper. In many ways, Lawes was the perfect six.