Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Matthew Southcombe

England v Wales team news as British and Irish Lion returns to Eddie Jones' side for Six Nations clash

England boss Eddie Jones has made two changes to the side that beat Ireland for the visit of Wales in the Six Nations this weekend.

Speedster Anthony Watson is straight back into the starting side having overcome calf problems that prevented him from taking part in the first three rounds of the championship.

He takes the place of Bath team-mate Jonathan Joseph, who played there during 24-12 win a fortnight ago.

Mark Wilson comes in to start at openside flanker in place of Sam Underhill, who misses out through injury.

Elsewhere, the XV is unchanged with Elliot Daly and Jonny May completing the back three.

Captain Owen Farrell and Manu Tuilagi form a formidable midfield partnership with Ben Youngs partnering George Ford at half-back.

An all-British Lions front five of Joe Marler, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje and George Kruis start.

Tom Curry continues to wear the No.8 on his back and Courtney Lawes is at blindside flanker.

“We’ve had a really good two week preparation – a fallow week in Oxford where we had good training days last Thursday and Friday and three good training days this week culminating in a very good session Wednesday," said England boss Jones.

“Wales are a very tough, well-coached side and they’ve been building on their attack since Wayne Pivac has taken over.

“It’s always a tough game against Wales and we know they will bring that toughness to all the contest areas."

On the bench, Jones has gone for another split of six forwards and two backs.

England: Elliot Daly; Anthony Watson, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell, Jonny May; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler; Maro Itoje, George Kruis; Courtney Lawes, Mark Wilson, Tom Curry.

Reps: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Joe Launchbury, Charlie Ewels, Ben Earl, Willi Heinz, Henry Slade.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.