Eddie Jones has made two changes to his team for England’s game against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, which will be their last Championship match for the time being following the postponement of their final fixture against Italy.
Six Nations officials are set to confirm that the game in Rome has been called off due to fears over the spread of coronavirus.
That leaves them scrambling to find a time in the crowded rugby schedule to rearrange the games. They would not simply be cancelled due to commercial reasons, and more games — notably Ireland’s visit to Paris next weekend — could go the same way.
Jones made two changes to face Wales, with Anthony Watson and Mark Wilson returning from injury to play for England for the first time since November’s World Cup Final.
Wilson, on loan at Sale from relegated Newcastle, replaces the injured Sam Underhill on the openside, despite a specialist openside, Tom Curry, being named at No8 – a position Wilson has enjoyed some success in for England.
Watson comes in for his Bath club-mate Jonathan Joseph on the wing having overcame a calf injury. He has been involved with England this month but failed to prove his fitness until now. Jonny May swaps back to his preferred left wing to reunite the backline that started the World Cup Final.
Joseph made his 50th appearance against Ireland last month, and his first start on the wing. He is unfortunate to miss out when not injured having put in a strong showing.
The bench remains the same as the one that took on Ireland at Twickenham 11 days ago, with Jones opting for his newly-favoured 6-2 bench.
“Wales are a very tough, well-coached side and they’ve been building on their attack since Wayne Pivac has taken over,” said Jones. “It’s always a tough game against Wales and we know they will bring that toughness to all the contest areas.”
