England reveals captain for Wales warm-up
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Steve Borthwick has named his matchday 23 to face Wales in a World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff on Saturday.
Loosehead prop Ellis Genge will captain England in the 140th meeting between the two nations – as both teams play their first game of the Nations Series ahead of the global showpiece, which starts in September.
Alongside Genge, hooker Jamie Blamire joins tighthead prop Will Stuart to complete the front row.
Elsewhere, David Ribbans partners George Martin in the second row, with the uncapped Tom Pearson packing down on the openside flank, linking up with Saints teammate Lewis Ludlam who starts on the blindside.
Alex Dombrandt rounds off the pack at No.8.
Harlequins duo Danny Care and Marcus Smith feature in the halfback berths, with Guy Porter partnering Joe Marchant in midfield.
Joe Cokanasiga lines up on the left wing, opposite Max Malins on the right, and Freddie Steward is at fullback.
Amongst the replacements, Saracens teammates Theo Dan and Tom Willis will win their first England caps should they take the field, while Bevan Rodd, Kyle Sinckler, Jonny Hill, Jack van Poortvliet, George Ford and Henry Slade will all be hoping to make an impact off the bench.
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“England versus Wales in Cardiff is always an exciting and keenly contested fixture,” said Borthwick.
“I am sure this Saturday will be no different as a tremendous first Test match of the Summer Nations Series.
“We have been impressed with how the whole squad has applied itself both on and off the field over this training camp.
“We are now looking forward to returning to Test match rugby as we continue our preparations for the Rugby World Cup in France.”
England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Max Malins, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Guy Porter, 11 Joe Cokanasiga, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Danny Care, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Tom Pearson, 6 Lewis Ludlam, 5 George Martin, 4 David Ribbans, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Jamie Blamire, 1 Ellis Genge (captain).
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Jonny Hill, 20 Tom Willis, 21 Jack van Poortvliet, 22 George Ford, 23 Henry Slade.
Date: Saturday, August 5
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 17.30 (16.30 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry (Rugby Australia)
Assistant referees: Mike Adamson (Scotland); Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TMO: Joy Neville (Ireland)
