England name George Ford at 10 for Wales clash

Adam Kyriacou
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England have named George Ford at fly-half for their Autumn Nations Cup group clash with struggling Wales at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

Ford is back in the starting line-up, after returning from injury as a replacement in last week’s 18-7 win over Ireland. Captain Owen Farrell moves to inside centre with Henry Slade at outside centre.

After becoming England men’s joint second highest try-scorer against Ireland, Jonny May continues at left wing while Jonathan Joseph is on the right wing. Elliot Daly retains his place at full-back and Ben Youngs is scrum-half.

Unchanged pack

England name an unchanged forward pack. In the back-row, Billy Vunipola will play at number eight, with Tom Curry (blindside) and Sam Underhill (openside) as flankers.

Mako Vunipola (loosehead prop), Kyle Sinckler (tighthead prop) and Jamie George (hooker) make up the front-row. Maro Itoje remains at lock with Joe Launchbury to complete the tight five.

Luke Cowan-Dickie and Anthony Watson return from injury as replacements. They are joined by Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jonny Hill, Dan Robson, Will Stuart and Jack Willis.

England’s last tournament game, a Quilter International at Twickenham Stadium on December 6, will determine their final standing in the competition.

Jones said: “We’re expecting another tough match, and at the home of Welsh Rugby where the heart and soul of their game is.

“Twelve months ago, Wales were Grand Slam champions and three points from a World Cup final, so we know what they are capable of.

“We’ve picked the best 23 players for the battle and we’re looking forward to it greatly.”

England: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Jonathan Joseph, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Tom Curry, 5 Joe Launchbury, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Mako Vunipola
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Jonny Hill, 20 Ben Earl, 21 Jack Willis, 22 Dan Robson, 23 Anthony Watson

Date: Saturday, November 28
Venue: Parc y Scarlets
Kick-off: 16:00 GMT
Referee: Romain Poite
Assistant referees: Pascal Gauzere, Alex Ruiz
Television match official: Brian MacNeice

 

England