England v Wales - Teams and Prediction
PREVIEW: The rivalry between England and Wales will resume this weekend when Steve Borthwick’s men try to bounce back at Twickenham.
Wales emerged comfortable 20-9 winners from the first of two meetings between the teams last weekend in Cardiff.
Warren Gatland’s side headed into the fixture under loads of pressure following their dismal Six Nations campaign, which was overshadowed by contractual and financial issues plaguing the Welsh game.
However, the Welsh side managed to put the dour period behind them and made a big statement with a win over England in Cardiff.
The side would want to continue their winning streak and make another big marker when they head to Twickenham.
Gatland, who is in his second spell as Wales coach, has named a much-changed line-up for the fixture as he looks to finalize his World Cup squad.
*Article continues below…
The New Zealander is set to name his final 33-strong World Cup squad within the next fortnight.
The team will be led by hooker Dewi Lake. Like Jac Morgan last weekend, this is Lake’s first time leading the side after previous experience at the Under-20 level.
“Both boys [Lake and Morgan] are highly respected. They are potential future captains of Wales,” Gatland said.
When asked if there will be a new generation of captains for the World Cup, Gatland quickly replied: ‘Probably.”
He added: “I am expecting a group of players who are desperate to perform.
“It is a good situation to be in.”
England have a huge point to prove following last weekend’s defeat.
Steve Borthwick, who named his squad last weekend, will be hoping his stars put in a good effort.
He has made 11 changes to the starting XV with some big names making a return, including Billy Vunipola.
The team will be captained by Owen Farrell, who will don the No.10 jersey.
“This squad is full of talent littered throughout the whole squad,” Farrell said.
“We are looking forward to it. Personally, having not played for a while, I’m itching to play. Can’t wait.”
“And then with the boys that are outside, they [Ollie Lawrence and Joe Marchant] are two talented lads that hopefully can get into the game and show their strengths, which I am sure they will.”
Borthwick added: “I am expecting from every player is they bring all the strengths onto the pitch in the England shirt.”
*Article continues below…
Players to watch:
For England: Owen Farrell will have a lot of eyes on him as he captains the team. Always a passionate player, the flyhalf must try to contain his emotions, especially with his tackles. Billy Vunipola, who will also start in the No.8 jersey after his recent troubles with a knee injury, is a ferocious ball carrier and will be eager to put in a good display. The pack certainly looks dangerous with the likes of Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Jamie Goerge and Joe Marler.
For Wales: Josh Adams, who will win his 50th cap for Wales on Saturday having made his international debut against Scotland in the 2018 Six Nations, will want to celebrate his accolade in style. Hooker Dewi Lake has a big responsibility as he captains the side for the first time. Lake is joined by senior statesmen Gareth Thomas (loosehead prop) and Tomas Francis (tighthead prop) in the front row. Taine Plumtree will want to impress at No.8. While the halfback partnership between Tomos Williams, who made an appearance from the bench last weekend, and Owen Williams will have to be in top form.
Prediction
@rugby365com: England by nine points
Teams:
England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Henry Arundell, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Ollie Lawrence, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Owen Farrell (captain), 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Ben Earl, 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 George Martin, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Jamie George, 1 Joe Marler.
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Jonny Hill, 20 Jack Willis, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 George Ford, 23 Max Malins.
Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Josh Adams, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Tom Rogers, 10 Owen Williams, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Taine Plumtree, 7 Tommy Reffell, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Rhys Davies, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Dewi Lake (captain), 1 Gareth Thomas.
Replacements: 16 Sam Parry, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 Taine Basham, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Dan Biggar, 23 Keiran Williams.
Date: Saturday, August 12
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Kick-off: 17.30 (16.30 GMT)
Expected weather: Light rain showers with a high of 23°C and a low of 15°C
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland), Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)
