| Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 25 February Kick-off: 16:45 GMT |
| Coverage: Live on BBC One, S4C, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Sport web site & app |
Anthony Watson will make his first England begin for nearly two years in Saturday’s Six Nations match in Wales.
Leicester’s Watson replaces the injured Ollie Hassell-Collins on the wing in the one change to the beginning XV that beat Italy in round two.
Vice-captain Courtney Lawes is about for his first England look since July having been named on the bench.
Ben Curry can be a alternative after being known as into the squad when brother Tom was injured.
With the skilled Jonny May and Jack Nowell omitted of latest head coach Steve Borthwick’s unique Six Nations squad, Hassell-Collins led the way in which for a brand new era to shine.
But as a substitute of giving Harlequins’ Cadan Murley, 23, an opportunity, Borthwick has favoured the maybe extra dependable 28-year-old Watson as Max Malins continues on the opposite wing after impressing within the opening rounds.
Former captain Lawes, 34, is again after a string of accidents together with concussion in addition to neck, glute and calf points that meant he missed the slim opening defeat by Scotland and victory against Italy.
With Tom Curry out for the rest of the tournament due to a hamstring damage, Borthwick retains a again row of Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis and Alex Dombrandt.
In the backline, captain Owen Farrell as soon as once more starts at fly-half as Marcus Smith is the alternative quantity ten.
England – who haven’t gained in Cardiff since 2017 – are third within the Six Nations desk, whereas winless Wales are sixth.
Doubts over whether or not the match would go forward have been dispelled on Wednesday when Welsh gamers decided against strike action after reaching an settlement with their union.
Head coach Borthwick stated: “Wales v England in Cardiff is among the iconic rugby fixtures, steeped in historical past and at all times stuffed with ardour.
“We know the Principality Stadium crowd shall be in full voice and we must be at our best possible to repeat the success we had within the final spherical against Italy.
“I’m delighted to have welcomed Courtney Lawes again to the squad after damage. His high quality and expertise has contributed to a targeted coaching week, marked by the kind of competitors and depth we anticipate.”
England ‘have not received similar expertise degree’
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named an experimental backline that includes debutant centre Mason Grady and fly-half Owen Williams.
But there may be rather more expertise in a pack that features captain Ken Owens, Alun Wyn Jones, Taulupe Faletau and Justin Tipuric.
With relative newcomers Ollie Chessum, Jack Willis and Alex Dombrandt representing England, Borthwick advised BBC Sport his workforce “have not received that very same degree of expertise”.
“We’re at a unique stage,” Borthwick added.
“I believe we’re enjoying against a workforce that is aware of the right way to put together for Test matches. We’ve received a load of younger gamers who’re determined to do nicely.”
England: Steward; Malins, Slade, Lawrence, Watson; Farrell (capt), Van Poortvliet; Genge, George, Sinckler; Itoje, Chessum; Ludlam, Willis, Dombrandt.
Replacements: Walker, M Vunipola, Cole, Lawes, B Curry, Mitchell, M Smith, Arundell.
