Lawes returns on the bench as England sticks to plan
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has opted for continuity for their Six Nations Round three match against Wales on Saturday.
In the only change to the England starting team that beat Italy 31-14 a fortnight ago, Anthony Watson comes in at left wing. Max Malins is on the right wing and Freddie Steward is at fullback.
Captain Owen Farrell is at flyhalf, with Ollie Lawrence at inside centre and Henry Slade at outside centre. Jack van Poortvliet stays at scrumhalf.
In an unchanged forward pack, vice-captain Ellis Genge joins Kyle Sinckler and hooker Jamie George in the front row.
Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum are at lock. Flanks Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis, and No. 8 Alex Dombrandt complete the XV.
Vice-captain Courtney Lawes could make his England return following injury after being named as a replacement. He is alongside Jack Walker, who made his England debut against Italy, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith and Henry Arundell.
Borthwick said: “Wales v England in Cardiff is one of the iconic rugby fixtures, steeped in history and always full of passion.
“We know the Millennium 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 I think has the right players and balance to meet the 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 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: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Max Malins, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ollie Lawrence, 11 Anthony Watson, 10 Owen Farrell (captain), 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Jack Willis, 6 Lewis Ludlam, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge.
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.
Date: Saturday, February 25
Venue: Millenium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 16.45 (16.45 GMT)
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland) & Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)
