England make 11 changes for Wales rematch as Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola start

England have made 11 changes to their side that will face Wales in a World Cup warm-up rematch at Twickenham, with Billy Vunipola starting at number eight.

Looking to bounce back from last week’s 20-9 defeat, Owen Farrell returns to the team as skipper and is joined in the XV by Saracens team-mate Vunipola.

It’s a new-look back-row with Vunipola packing down in between Courtney Lawes and Ben Earl, with Lawes named as vice-captain on the blindside flank.

Jamie George starts

In the front-row, loosehead Joe Marler joins hooker Jamie George and Will Stuart, who retains his place at tighthead for Saturday’s meeting at Twickenham.

Behind them, George Martin links up with Maro Itoje in the second-row, with the Tiger winning his third England cap and first at the home of English rugby.

In the backline, scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet partners Farrell in the half-back spots as the pair come in for Danny Care and Marcus Smith, who drop out.

In midfield, 2022/23 Premiership Player of the Season, Ollie Lawrence runs out at inside centre next to Joe Marchant at 13, who remains at outside centre.

Elliot Daly is named on the left wing, with 20-year-old Henry Arundell on the right, and Freddie Steward keeps his place at full-back for the home fixture.

Amongst the replacements, loosehead prop Ellis Genge, who is also named as a vice-captain, will win his 50th England cap when he joins the action. Elsewhere, Theo Dan, Dan Cole, Jack Willis, Ben Youngs, George Ford, Max Malins and Jonny Hill will all be determined to make a difference from the bench this weekend.

“We’re very much looking forward to our return to Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, and the opportunity to play in front of our supporters again,” said England head coach Steve Borthwick.

“England versus Wales is always a special fixture, and we are pleased to be playing the visitors again so soon.

“We’re delighted for Ellis, who will win his 50th cap from the bench. He’s a brilliant professional, both on and off the field, and I’m sure Saturday will be a very proud moment for him and his family.”

On Hill’s involvement after he was left out of England’s World Cup squad, Borthwick added: “Jonny has trained with us throughout the week, and I am pleased to be able to name him in the match day 23. I have no doubt he will provide a big impact for us off the bench.”

After tackling Wales, England will face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, August 19, and Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, August 26, before the World Cup.

England line-up to face Wales

England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Henry Arundell, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Ollie Lawrence, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Owen Farrell (c), 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

Date: Saturday, August 12
Venue: Twickenham Stadium
Kick-off: 17:30 BST (16:30 GMT)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland), Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)

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