England make three changes for Cardiff clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has named his team to play Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
George Ford will captain the side again following Sunday’s 33-19 win over Wales at Twickenham Stadium.
There are three changes to the starting XV that played last weekend. Maro Itoje is named in the second row while Courtney Lawes will play at blindside flank with Lewis Ludlam moving to openside. Ruaridh McConnochie will start his first England game after being withdrawn from the team last weekend due to injury.
Owen Farrell, Jamie George and Kyle Sinckler are included in the matchday 23 for the first time in this series of matches ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
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.”
#WALvENG | Here’s your England team to face Wales on Saturday in Cardiff 🌹
Preview ➡ https://t.co/l6zBl7e908#CarryThemHome pic.twitter.com/qhVmaXl3Bi
ADVERTISEMENT— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 15, 2019
England: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Ruaridh McConnochie, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Piers Francis, 11 Joe Cokanasiga, 10 George Ford (captain), 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Lewis Ludlam, 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 Maro Itoje, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ellis Genge.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 George Kruis, 20 Jack Singleton, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Manu Tuilagi.
Date: Saturday, August 17
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 14.15 (13.15 GMT)
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)
Assistant referees: Mathieu Raynal (France), Alexandre Ruiz (France)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)
