Rugby

Italy make one change for Six Nations visit of England

Luke McLean replaces David Odiete in starting XV for Stadio Olimpico clash

Jacques Brunel has made one change to his starting Italy line-up for Sunday’s game against England. Photograph: Reuters

Fri Feb 12 2016 - 15:32

Italy have made one change ahead of Sunday's Six Nations meeting with England in Rome, with Luke McLean coming into the starting XV.

The Australia-born fly-half replaces David Odiete after the Mogliano wing suffered a sprained ankle during last weekend's 23-21 defeat to France.

Lock George Biagi has recovered from a thigh injury and will start at the Stadio Olimpico, head coach Jacques Brunel confirmed in a statement published on the Italian Rugby Federation's website.

Two potential debutants — Treviso flanker Abraham Steyn and Zebre fly-half Edoardo Padovani — are among the replacements.

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Treviso centre Andrea Pratichetti, whose sole Azzurri appearance came against Canada in 2012, is also on the bench.

Italy: L McLean (Treviso), L Sarto (Zebre), M Campagnaro (Exeter), G Garcia (Zebre), M Bellini (Padova), C Canna (Zebre), E Gori (Treviso), A Lovotti (Zebre), O Gega (Treviso), L Cittadini (Wasps), G Biagi (Zebre), M Fuser, F Minto, A Zanni (all Treviso), S Parisse (Stade Francais).

Replacements: D Giazzon, M Zanusso (both Treviso), M Castrogiovanni (Racing 92), V Bernabo, A Steyn (both Treviso), G Palazzani, E Padovani (both Zebre), A Pratichetti (Treviso).

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