MARCUS SMITH will make his Six Nations debut at fly-half in England’s Calcutta Cup showdown with Scotland.
And Tom Curry will captain the Red Rose for the first time as Eddie Jones is forced into a much-changed side for the tournament opener.
Jones, who was forced to plan without Owen Farrell and likely replacement skipper Courtney Lawes, has also selected Elliot Daly at centre - despite leaving the Saracens stalwart out of his original squad.
Daly will play alongside Henry Slade - one of three vice-captains as well as Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ellis Genge - in midfield, with Joe Marchant, Max Malins and full-back Freddie Steward completing an inexperienced back three.
But it is the selection of Harlequins tyro Smith and outside scrum half Ben Youngs, which will be the exciting selection for most England fans after his nerveless late penalty goal winner against South Africa to crown the Autumn series.
Veteran George Ford, the alternative at No10, is named as one of Jones’ 'finishers', who also include Jamie George and Jack Nowell.
Sale flanker Curry joins Lewis Ludlam and Sam Simmonds in the back row, with Maro Itoje and Nick Isiekwe at lock, while Kyle Sinckler completes the front row alongside Cowan-Dickie and Genge.
The selection of Daly, who has not played as a centre for England since 2016, is a signal that Jones wants experience to help guide Smith through his baptism of Murrayfield fire.
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Jones said: “As the first game, this match is hugely important to both sides and we will both want to get off to a winning start.
“We have a good, young team but we understand the task ahead and we’ll be ready to go after it from the first kick.
“Tom Curry will captain the side for this game and has the respect of the team around him, in Owen and Courtney’s absence.
"He also has the support of the vice captains and other leaders in the team such as Maro Itoje and Ben Youngs.
“We have prepared really well for this game. We’ve had a number of obstacles thrown at us, but we’ve overcome them as a more together group and we’re looking forward to getting started.”
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