Anthony Watson and Mark Wilson handed England starts

Colin Newboult

Anthony Watson and Mark Wilson have both been named in the England side to face Wales in the Six Nations clash at Twickenham on Saturday.

Bath wing Watson and Sale back-row forward Wilson will make their first appearances for Eddie Jones’ side since the Rugby World Cup final last November.

Watson has recovered from a calf injury while Wilson has recently returned to action after a knee problem.

Watson will start on the right wing where he replaces Jonathan Joseph, who drops out of the 23 altogether a fortnight after winning his 50th cap against Ireland.

An unspecified injury to Sam Underhill sees Wilson picked at openside flanker despite having made only one start for Sale this season due to a knee issue.

The return of Watson and Wilson are the only two changes to the side that thumped Ireland 24-12 at Twickenham.

Watson was scheduled to start the Six Nations opener against France but suffered a setback in his recovery from the injury incurred on Bath duty earlier in the month.

Wilson came into the England camp for the first time last week after proving his fitness for Sale and is preferred ahead of Lewis Ludlam, who missed out on a bench spot as Eddie Jones once again opted for a six-two split between forwards and backs.

Head coach Jones said: “We’ve had a really good two week preparation – a fallow week in Oxford where we had good training days last Thursday and Friday and three good training days this week culminating in a very good session Wednesday.

“Wales are a very tough, well-coached side and they’ve been building on their attack since Wayne Pivac has taken over.

“It’s always a tough game against Wales and we know they will bring that toughness to all the contest areas. We’re looking forward to playing at home again and getting back out in front of our fantastic fans.”

England: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Owen Farrell (c), 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Tom Curry, 7 Mark Wilson, 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 George Kruis, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Joe Marler
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Charlie Ewels, 21 Ben Earl, 22 Willi Heinz, 23 Henry Slade

Date: Saturday, March 7
Venue: Twickenham, London
Kick-off: 16:45 GMT
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Alexandre Ruiz (France)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

 

England