Wales changes four for Twickenham trip
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales made four changes to their starting XV to play England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Liam Williams and Josh Navidi return from injury to make their first appearances in Wales’ 2020 Six Nations campaign – with Tomos Williams and Rob Evans also both named in the starting side.
Liam Williams comes into a hugely experienced back three – alongside fellow British & Irish Lions George North and Leigh Halfpenny.
Hadleigh Parkes and Nick Tompkins continue their partnership in midfield with Dan Biggar (No.10) lining up alongside Tomos Williams (No.9) at halfback.
Evans comes into the front row, making his first start for Wales since the 2019 edition of the tournament and he will pack down alongside Ken Owens and Dillon Lewis.
Jake Ball and captain Alun Wyn Jones partner again in the second row, with Jones setting another Welsh record by becoming his country’s most capped player in the Six Nations with 57.
In the back row, Navidi comes in to link up with Ross Moriarty and Justin Tipuric.
“We’ve had a good two weeks and we are really excited about heading up to Twickenham for what will be a huge Six Nations clash,” said Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.
“We have had the chance to put the disappointments of the loss to France behind us and we know heading to London we need to be more clinical in attack and convert the opportunities that we are creating.
“Liam’s return to full fitness is a positive after the loss of Josh [Adams], as is the return of Josh Navidi. We have been targeting this game for both of their returns and they have trained really well so it’s a great opportunity for them on Saturday.”
On the bench Ryan Elias, Rhys Carre and Leon Brown provide the front-row cover with Aaron Shingler and Taulupe Faletau completing the forward contingent. Rhys Webb, Jarrod Evans and Johnny McNicholl provide the backline cover.
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Josh Navidi, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Ross Moriarty, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (captain), 4 Jake Ball, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Rob Evans.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Leon Brown, 19 Aaron Shingler, 20 Taulupe Faletau, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Johnny McNicholl.
Date: Saturday, March 7
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Kick-off: 16.45 (16.45 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Alexandre Ruiz (France)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
