England v France: Ashton determined to grasp his Six Nations chance after recall

Ashton has displaced Jack Nowell from the right wing for England’s round-two fixture against France with head coach Eddie Jones explaining the decision by stating “we think he might sneak us an early try”.

It continues a Test rebirth that began last autumn, his return to these shores after a successful season-long spell at Toulon propelling him back onto Jones’s radar.

The 31-year-old reaches another milestone tomorrow when he will further distance himself from the four years spent marooned on 39 caps.

“I went with (former South Africa wing) JP Pietersen to commentate on France against Italy,” said the Sale star.

“At that time I’d never have thought we’d be sat here with me about to play France.

“When you’re younger and you’re in the team you never think it’s going to be your last game.

“You think you’re going to have good, long years at it, but that wasn’t the case for me.

“I definitely understand what it’s like to not be involved and not have the shirt, so it’s a big privilege for me to be back in.

“Of course this is what I came back to England for. I got a taste of it in the autumn so I’m past that point of it being a relatively new environment.”

Ashton’s last Six Nations outing was one of the low points in English rugby history – a crushing 30-3 defeat by Wales in Cardiff that destroyed the team’s Grand Slam hopes at the final hurdle.

“It was a long time ago – and one to forget as well,” the dual code international said.

“I’ve had a good few years watching the Six Nations

“It’s such a great tournament, and England have done really well over the last three years, taking out last season.

“I’ve had to sit and watch that so I’m just happy to be part of it again.”

Nowell impressed through his work-rate and carrying in the remarkable 32-20 victory over Ireland a week ago.

But it is Ashton’s nose for the line that has proved decisive for the visit of France.

“You have to show an unrelenting desire to want to play for your country, which Chris has done,” said Jones in reference to Ashton’s decision to sign for Sale in order to revive his Test career.

“He brings us something different that we think is going to be valuable at the start of the game – he’s a try poacher.”

“We’ve just got a gut feeling he’ll be right for the start and Jack will be right for the end.

“Jack was absolutely outstanding for us against Ireland, absolutely outstanding, so it’s just a different role for him this time.

“He’s got a great work-rate and can fill a number of positions. At the end of the game that work-rate is going to be important.”

In the only other change to the starting XV, Courtney Lawes replaces knee injury-victim Maro Itoje in the second row with Joe Launchbury offering cover from the bench.

England produced their best performance of the Jones era at the Aviva Stadium, but captain Owen Farrell hopes it is merely a stepping stone to greater achievements. “We know we can do better. We want to see where we can take things,” Farrell said.

“We don’t want to just be good at stuff. Everyone is good at stuff. We want to see where we can take it. There will be a lot that we want to take to another level.”

Itoje was expected to be missing until the final rounds, but he could now be back sooner than expected from his grade two medial ligament tear, although Jones declined to reveal whether that would be in time for the February 23 appointment with Wales.

“It’s unfortunate Maro is injured, but he has been rehabbing well so we are hopeful he will be back earlier than maybe first predicted,” Jones said.

When asked if he could return in time to face Warren Gatland’s men, Jones replied: “I’m always optimistic. He was almost available for selection this week, but he’s not.

“We’ve got great depth in the squad so Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes will fill Maro’s shoes very well.”

Apart from the presence of Nowell and Launchbury there are two more changes to the bench in the form of props Dan Cole and Ben Moon, who have displaced Harry Williams and Ellis Genge.

Neither flanker Brad Shields nor winger Joe Cokanasiga have made the matchday 23 despite recovering from respective side and knee injuries.

Jones views France as unpredictable opponents as illustrated by their defeat to Wales in which a 16-0 half-time lead was surrendered.

“They are a team full of talent. They rely a lot on individual talents, but they’ve got guys that can break the game open,” Jones said.

“We just have to be very well organised and absolutely brutal in our defence.”