Eddie Jones Explains Ollie Lawrence's Omission

February 11, 2021
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Ultimate Rugby

Eddie Jones' England team to face Italy has come with a bit of backlash after Ollie Lawrence's omission from the 23 entirely.

Lawrence has been dropped from the 23 in one of five changes to the starting XV.

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The England boss has since defended his decision despite the rookie England centre having to wait until the 63rd minute of the 11-6 loss to Scotland to make his first carry as Farrell struggled to release his backline in an off-key performance by England’s captain. This has prompted Jones to move Owen Farrell into the #12 jersey with George Ford returning to the pivot role as a familiar combination is reunited.

Talking about his changes, particularly in reference to Lawrence, Jones said:

Eddie Jones has explained Ollie Lawerence's absence in his 23 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#GuinnessSixNations #ENGvITA pic.twitter.com/Abz6Qpc57B
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) February 11, 2021

Other changes to his side included Courtney Lawes' returning to the starting line up with the Saints' forward packing down at blindside flank.

Jones also changed his entire front row with Jamie George starting the test from the bench with Mako Vunipola, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Kyle Sinckler starting.

The starting props from the loss to Scotland, along with George, all feature via the bench. Jack Willis has also been added to the bench as Jones opted for a 6-2 split in favour of the forwards.

“We want to be on the front foot the whole time and this pack allows us to do that. And then the backs have got to be able to take those opportunities and turn them into points and that’s the priority this week,” Jones said.

“We want to play good English rugby, where we are as close to our best as we can be.

“That involves having good set-piece, good defence and then being able to take those opportunities when they come in attack and turn them into points.

“We’ve just tried to get the information right this week, which can get us back playing front-foot rugby.

“That’s when we’re at our best, that’s when we are one of the most damaging teams in the world and that’s what we want to get back to.”