England captain Maro Itoje and France star Antoine Dupont (Image: Getty/Express Sport)
The is finely poised ahead of the second round of fixtures this weekend, with hoping for a winning return to Twickenham in their grudge match against France.
In the first game of the double header on Saturday, will be looking to end their dismal 13-game losing run against Italy. A defeat for Warren Gatland’s side would
England then take on France in what could prove to be a difficult encounter for Steve Borthwick’s side after they were beaten 27-22 by holders Ireland in their first game.
to select fly-half Fin Smith as his No. 10, with Marcus Smith operating as a full-back. France, meanwhile, will make do without Romain Ntamack following his red card tackle and subsequent ban.
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Dupont rubs salt in England wound over Willis absence
Antoine Dupont has attempted to twist the knife into England by suggesting they are their own worst enemy after denying Jack Willis the chance to play against France.
England’s rule of only selecting players from the Gallagher Premiership means the likes of Toulouse star Willis cannot play for their country, along with Joe Marchant and Henry Arundell.
And Dupont suggested he was almost relieved not to be facing his clubmate at Twickenham today.
When asked about England overlooking their star competing in France, Dupont said: “I’m a bit surprised, but I’m quite happy not to be playing against Jack. We know the nightmare he is in the ruck area.
“Their rules are different from ours and it’s like that for the moment. I don’t think they will change it soon.”
Itoje calls for England rule change
Maro Itoje revealed he rejected a move to France in his playing career because he didn’t want to be barred from international selection and hinted that the rules need to change.
The Saracens star, 30, had courted interest from Toulouse and Racing 92 but snubbed a move across the Channel to continue as England captain.
“The reason I didn’t pursue that is because I wanted to play for England,” Itoje said. “I felt like my time in an England shirt was not done yet.
“I’d have been looking at England playing from across the Channel and I wouldn’t have been at peace with the decision.
“There are a whole load of different factors one can use to determine whether you stay here or go there but I felt if I went at that time it would have been a bit premature.
He added: “We want all the best players to be available for selection for England. We want all the guys playing well playing for England, or at least being available for selection.”
(Image: Getty)
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Stay with us as we bring you all of the news and build-up ahead of today’s double header, with Wales vs Italy up first and England taking on France later in the day.