Parling comes in for crunch Six Nations finale

Matthew Rogerson

Parling comes in for crunch Six Nations finale image

Stuart Lancaster has made one charge to his starting XV for England's Six Nations finale against France, with Geoff Parling replacing Dave Attwood at lock.

Lancaster's side go into the final round of the competition level on points with Ireland and Wales but with a superior points difference.

As England - runners-up in the past two years - seek to make the final step and lift the title for the first time since 2011, Lancaster has made one charge, with Parling coming for Attwood.

Tighthead prop Dan Cole will win his 50th cap at the weekend while Nick Easter comes onto the replacements bench.

"It's a great achievement for Dan to win his 50th cap, especially coming back from his injury last year. He is one of the cornerstones of our squad and we all wish him all the best," Lancaster told the England Rugby website.

"The same goes for Nick Easter, who has really impressed in camp and with his appearances off the bench in the second row.

"He is a quality ball carrier and great defender - something we feel we will need in the latter stages of the game."

England are the last of the title chasers to play on Saturday, with Wales facing Italy first up before Ireland take on Scotland.

Team in full: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Luther Burrell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 1 Joe Marler, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Geoff Parling, 5 Courtney Lawes, 6 James Haskell, 7 Chris Robshaw (captain), 8 Billy Vunipola

Replacements: Tom Youngs, Mako Vunipola, Kieran Brookes, Nick Easter, Tom Wood, Richard Wigglesworth, Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees

Matthew Rogerson