England team vs Wales confirmed as Ruaridh McConnochie…

England team vs Wales confirmed as Ruaridh McConnochie handed Test debut

Ruaridh McConnochie finally gets to make his Test debut on Saturday - five days after being named in England’s World Cup squad.

The Bath bolter starts on the right wing against Wales at the Principality Stadium in a side showing three changes from that which beat the same opposition at Twickenham last Sunday.

Wales have also swapped three of their side, with Dan Biggar, Jake Ball and James Davies drafted into the starting line-up by head coach Warren Gatland.

McConnochie, 27, won an Olympic silver medal with Team GB in sevens at the 2016 Rio Games but only a year ago was without a contract to play 15-a-side rugby.

He now finds himself thrust into a sell-out clash with England’s arch-rivals and Grand Slam champions, just three weeks before Eddie Jones leads his team to Japan.

McConnochie replaces Joe Cokanasiga on the right wing, with his clubmate switching to the left in place of yet another Bath wing Anthony Watson. The other change sees Maro Itoje start at lock in place of Charlie Ewels.

The biggest surprise of all is the selection of two hookers on the bench - and no back row cover.

Jones said: “Our selection strategy for our second game is similar to the first, so a bit of a mix-and-match approach. We are looking at different combinations and have a particular strategy for this game.

“The game is very much about ourselves preparing for the World Cup and we are respectful that we have got such strong opposition at their home ground. We are looking forward to it.

“The squad has been progressing well this week and I think there is a realisation among the squad now that the hard work really starts, nothing has been achieved.”