CORSHAM lock forward Rhys Jones has retained his place in a much-changed England under 18s team for their final match in the AER (Association Europeenne de Rugby) Championship this afternoon.
England give first starts to seven players as they attempt to end the championship on a high by beating Italy in the third place play-off.
England missed out on a place in the final when they were beaten 8-3 by Ireland in Wednesday's semi-final but they will secure a third seed place for next season's competition if they win their final game.
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Gloucestershire lock Dan Wright has been ruled out with an ankle injury and the selectors have made six other changes bringing in a new front row of Yann Thomas, Arthur Ellis and Kane Palma-Newport, a new fly-half in Mark Atkinson, Henry Staff on the left wing and Ollie Stedman at number eight.
Jon Kennedy, who played on the wing in England's win over Georgia last Sunday, has been moved to the centre in place of Jordan Davies.
"We were devastated to lose against Ireland but we are determined to finish the competition on a high," said England team manager Ted Atkinson, who steps down after today's game.
"We have managed to pick the players up and the medical team have worked very hard indeed to get everyone back on their feet.
"Apart from the usual bumps and bruises we have had a bit of sickness in the camp but, apart from Dan Wright, everyone is fit.
"We are expecting a tough final game because Italy are a stronger side than they were last year and they came very close to beating France, the defending champions, on Wednesday night."
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