England XV v France XV

[fivepointer]

An England XV will host a France XV in an uncapped match at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 21 June.

The game will act as a warm-up for England's three-Test summer tour of Argentina and the United States, while France are scheduled to play a three-match series in New Zealand.

Players involved in the English Premiership final on 14 June and those selected for the British and Irish Lions training squad will not be involved.

France will also be without players involved in their domestic Top 14 play-offs.

It follows an announcement last month by the French rugby union, which said it would not select players competing in the Top 14 final for the national team's summer fixtures.

"This game presents an exciting opportunity to see some of the rising stars of the game in action," said England head coach Steve Borthwick.

"It's always an incredible occasion when England faces France, and we're looking forward to creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.

"The match will be a valuable opportunity for the players to test their skills against a tough opponent and strengthen their chances for tour selection."

[Oakboy]

For once, are we on a par with France in terms of strength in depth? Our 2nd XV should be up with theirs.

This sort of fixture and the 'A' matches are significant for those players not in Borthwick's usual squad, especially when considering the weakness of his bench selections.

[p/d]

Be ideal if the prem final was Newcastle v Leicester. Then, at least, we wouldn't miss out on selecting some young talented players

[Captainhaircut]

Final is likely Bath v Saracens I guess. Certainly what the bookies think. Bristol in with a strong shout particularly with harder grounds in play off time. Could be something like:

Baxter
Langdon
AOF
Batley
Chessum
CCS
Pollock
Fisilau
JVP
FSmith
Dingwall
Beard
Sleightholme
Roebuck
Furbank

Might not be the worst game to finally have a little look at Steward at centre.

[FKAS]

Be ideal if the prem final was Newcastle v Leicester. Then, at least, we wouldn't miss out on selecting some young talented players

Heyes, Carnduff, Ilione, Woodward, Kelly, OHC?

Redshaw and yeah ok Falcons have been picked dry.

I'd hope for this one we'll look to give some guys who are on the fringe of making the summer squad a chance to play their way on or off the tour.

It's an uncapped game so not point selecting to secure.