Unchanged England to face Wales

London — England have named an unchanged team for the first time since the 2019 World Cup final as they prepare to face Wales in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday, with Ellis Genge the only change on the bench from the side that beat Italy last week.

Loosehead prop Genge returns in place of Beno Obano after overcoming the foot injury that made him a late withdrawal in Rome. Such continuity is extremely rare, usually due to injuries, but coach Steve Borthwick’s squad came through last week’s opener relatively unscathed.

Although England’s 27-24 victory was their smallest winning margin against Italy, they showed more ambition in attack than during their kick-based World Cup campaign in 2023 and, after fighting back from an early 10-0 deficit, were in control for most of the second half.

With five players having made their debuts, Borthwick is keen to give them and the new systems another opportunity.

“With a new player group and a number of new caps, we have tried to develop our game on both sides of the ball,” Borthwick said. “Such changes take time, and I was pleased how quickly the players settled and adapted last weekend.

“We’re delighted to be back playing in front of a sold-out Twickenham Stadium — the visit of the Wales team always ... creates a special atmosphere.”

It is not a place Wales have enjoyed visiting for a long time. They have not won a Six Nations game there since 2012 and that, along with 2008, are their only championship victories there in 36 years — though they did slot in a famous World Cup pool stage win in 2015 that aided England’s early exit.