England vs Wales team news - RWC 2015: George Ford to be dropped with Owen Farrell coming in at fly-half
Burgess also expected to be named in starting XV
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.George Ford will be dropped for England's crucial World Cup Pool A clash with rivals Wales at Twickenham this Saturday, with Owen Farrell in line to fill the fly-half position.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Farrell will be recalled to the starting XV in place of Bath's Ford in a bid to offer more resistance to Wales' hard-running back-line. In another big selection decision, it's added that the injured Jonathan Joseph - who is set to be ruled out with a pectoral injury - will be replaced by Sam Burgess, with the former rugby league man set to earn just his fourth England cap.
Joseph's absence comes as a real blow to England's chances of victory, with the Bath centre England's shining light in 2015 having claimed the Aviva Premiership player of the season for 2014/15. The decision will see head coach Stuart Lancaster put his neck on the line, having already taken a risk to include Burgess in the 31-man World Cup squad, with defeat England will have to beat Australia in their following match at Twickenham a week on Saturday.
An official team announcement will be made on Thursday morning, where it is expected that Farrell and Burgess' inclusion will be confirmed for the grudge match.
Burgess impressed in his short time on the field during England's 35-11 victory over Fiji in the World Cup curtain-raiser last Friday, and he could start at inside centre in a selection that will force Saracens' Brad Barritt to switch to the 13 shirt.
Another Saracen who could be in line for a recall is the No 8 Billy Vunipola, who also have the England pack some impetus when he came off the bench last week and bagged the crucial fourth try that secured the bonus point for the World Cup hosts. Vunipola looks set to come in for Gloucester back-row Ben Morgan, who struggled against the Fijians and sat out training on Tuesday with a knee injury. Morgan has only played three matches since returning from a broken leg suffered earlier this year in a match for Gloucester.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments