Twelvetrees on bench against France (From The Argus)

Twelvetrees on bench against France

11:09am Thursday 21st February 2013 in Sport By Brian Owen

Billy Twelvetrees will have to make an impact from the bench when England tackle France.

The former Pulborough and Horsham youngster is among the replacements with fit-again Manu Tuilagi taking his starting place in the centre.

Former Worthing forwards Joe Launchbury and Joe Marler both retain their starting spots in the tight five to face the winless French at Twickenham on Saturday.

Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes replace Tom Youngs and James Haskell as England make three changes in all.

Twelvetrees, who started the wins against Scotland and Ireland, could still have a chance to shine in the later stages of Saturday's showdown.

England coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We thought long and hard about changing a winning team which did so well against Ireland.

"But we believe that Dylan, Courtney and Manu are ready for the opportunity and allow us to vary our play, while the bench will add impact and energy as the game unfolds in the second half."