Richard Wigglesworth set to be only new face as England prepare to name matchday squad for Wales clash

Head coach Eddie Jones announces his starting XV on Thursday morning

Wednesday 07 February 2018 16:17 EST
Comments
Wigglesworth has been handed a chance to impress
Wigglesworth has been handed a chance to impress (Getty)

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.

England are poised to name a matchday squad containing only one change for Saturday's NatWest 6 Nations clash with Wales at Twickenham.

Richard Wigglesworth's inclusion at the expense of knee-injury victim Ben Youngs is set to be the only adjustment to the 23 that overwhelmed Italy 46-15 at the Stadio Olimpico.

Head coach Eddie Jones announces his starting XV on Thursday morning with Danny Care expected to be given the number nine jersey in Youngs' absence.

Of the 25 players retained for final preparations at England's Surrey training base, wing Denny Solomona and number eight Zach Mercer appear most likely to provide additional cover as reserves.

The only outstanding issue in selection following the seven-try rout of Italy is at outside centre where Ben Te'o and Jonathan Joseph are competing to start.

Te'o was given the nod in Rome and began strongly before fading as he made his first appearance since mid-October having recovered from ankle surgery.

Joseph made an impact when he came on and Jones may revert to his strongest XV against Wales, who thumped Scotland 34-7 in their round-one encounter.

Warren Gatland said on Tuesday that expects Jospeh to be restored for the eagerly awaited renewal of the Anglo-Welsh rivalry.

England 25-man squad:

Backs -

Back three: M Brown (Harlequins), J May (Leicester Tigers), D Solomona (Sale Sharks), A Watson (Bath Rugby)

Inside backs: D Care (Harlequins), O Farrell (Saracens), G Ford (Leicester Tigers), J Joseph (Bath Rugby), J Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), B Te'o (Worcester Warriors), R Wigglesworth (Saracens).

Forwards -

Back five: M Itoje (Saracens), G Kruis (Saracens), C Lawes (Northampton Saints), J Launchbury (Wasps), Z Mercer (Bath Rugby), C Robshaw (Harlequins), S Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs), S Underhill (Bath Rugby).

Front row: D Cole (Leicester Tigers), J George (Saracens), D Hartley (Northampton Saints), A Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs), M Vunipola (Saracens), H Williams (Exeter Chiefs).

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in