Mako Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler have been called up to England’s 28-man squad ahead of their Round 2 clash with Italy on Saturday, as Eddie Jones looks to beef up his pack.
Both props missed England’s Round 1 defeat to Scotland, with Vunipola suffering from an Achilles injury and Sinckler out with a ban.
However, both are now available and return to Jones’ squad in place of Harry Williams and Tom West, who have been released to their clubs.
Meanwhile, No.8 Billy Vunipola is confident the defending champions can quickly re-discover their best form and compete for the title.
England also lost their first match last year – going down to France in Paris – but rebounded with four straight wins that saw them become champions.
Wales did the same in 2013 and Vunipola has warned against writing his side off.
“It is frustrating. I won’t lie. But this happened last year and we managed to pull it back so it’s massive for all of us to make sure we get around each other and whatever we need to fix this week we do as soon as possible,” he said.
Guinness Six Nations Round 2 team announcements: All you need to know
“We only have a week to do it, which is probably the best thing for us – we don’t have a fallow week to let that settle in and frustrate us.
“You never really forget these days, you never really forget these moments, and to be honest I don’t really want to forget them.
“I want to move on from it, but I don’t want to forget it as it keeps you sharp. Losing like this at Twickenham is never what you dream of.”
