England stick with tried and tested against Wales

Fullback Elliot Daly will win his 50th Test cap as England have made just two changes to their starting lineup to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

England coach Eddie Jones has largely stuck with the same combinations that claimed a bonus-point win over Italy a couple of weeks ago.

The only two changes come in the pack as Jamie George returns at hooker in a rotational swap with Luke Cowan-Dickie, who returns to the bench, while Mark Wilson will start at blindside flank after Courtney Lawes was ruled out through injury.

In the backline, Daly is set to make his 50th appearance for England at fullback. The 28-year-old made his England debut in February 2016 in a 21-10 victory over Ireland.

Captain Owen Farrell is at inside centre, Henry Slade at outside centre and George Ford stays at flyhalf. Ben Youngs continues at scrumhalf, with Jonny May (left) and Anthony Watson (right) on the wings.

On the bench, loose forward George Martin could make his Test debut if he is called upon.

‘Wales is a really special fixture and rivalry,’ Jones said. ‘There is a long history between the two nations and the game means a lot to both countries.

‘We know we’ll be up against a strong Welsh challenge on Saturday, but we’ve worked really hard in training this week and have got a very good team to face it.’

This weekend’s match will be decisive as Wales are currently tied top of the table with France on nine points, while England trail in second place on six points.

England – 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Owen Farrell (c), 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Mark Wilson, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinkler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Mako Vunipola.
Subs: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 George Martin, 21 Ben Earl, 22 Dan Robson, 23 Max Malins.

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Photo: Getty Images

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