BEN MORGAN will start for England in their Six Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham this Saturday with Mako Vunipola named on the bench.

Former Dursley youth player Morgan has won the battle for the No8 shirt with Thomas Waldrom returning to Leicester.

Saracens prop Vunipola, who grew up in Thornbury, won all four of his caps as a replacement during the autumn internationals and gets another chance due to Alex Corbisiero's injury, with Joe Marler starting.

However, his brother Billy Vunipola, who was named Aviva Premiership Player of the Month for December yesterday, was released back to Wasps.

Morgan’s Gloucester team-mate, Billy Twelvetrees, will make his debut at centre as Manu Tuilagi was ruled out with an ankle injury.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We’ve had to make some tough calls with a lot of competition for places.

“The players’ attitude and application in training has been first rate and we know those going back to their clubs and playing in the LV= Cup will be pushing hard for contention for the Ireland match.”