One change as Steve Borthwick names his England team to play Wales

Steve Borthwick has confirmed an England team to take on Wales on Saturday in the Guinness Six Nations that contains just one change – a first start for Anthony Watson since March 2021 – from their round two win over Italy. That Twickenham success was the first for Borthwick since he took over from Eddie Jones and his third game in charge now sees change kept to a minimum.

Watson, who came on as a sub in the round one loss versus Scotland, gets his start due to the unavailability of the injured Ollie Hassell-Collins, who wore the No11 England jersey in the first two championship matches this month

Injury-hit Courtney Lawes, who hasn’t been capped since captaining England to last July’s tour series win in Australia, is named on the bench at the expense of Nick Isiekwe. Ben Curry is the only other bench alteration, getting the nod ahead of Ben Earl, who was excluded when the squad was trimmed to 26 on Tuesday evening.

Warren Gatland explains his reasoning for delaying team announcement ahead of Wales vs England

Warren Gatland explains his reasoning for delaying team announcement ahead of Wales vs England

Borthwick said: “Wales versus England in Cardiff is one of the iconic rugby fixtures, steeped in history and always full of passion. We know the Principality Stadium crowd will be in full voice and we will have to be at our very best to repeat the success we had in the last round against Italy.

“I have selected a team that has the right players and balance to meet the particular challenges we will face this weekend. I am delighted to have welcomed Courtney Lawes back to the squad after injury.

“His quality and experience have contributed to a focused training week, marked by the sort of competition and intensity we expect. I could not have asked any more from all the players and there is no doubt that they can’t wait to be a part of this special occasion.”

England (vs Wales, Saturday, 4:45pm)
15. Freddie Steward
14. Max Malins
13. Henry Slade
12. Ollie Lawrence
11. Anthony Watson
10. Owen Farrell (C)
9. Jack van Poortvliet
1. Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Kyle Sinckler
4. Maro Itoje
5. Ollie Chessum
6. Lewis Ludlam
7. Jack Willis
8. Alex Dombrandt

Replacements:
16. Jack Walker
17. Mako Vunipola
18. Dan Cole
19. Courtney Lawes
20. Ben Curry
21. Alex Mitchell
22. Marcus Smith
23. Henry Arundell