GATLAND THROWS ANSCOMBE INTO THE CAULDRON

GARETH ANSCOMBE has won the race for No 10 and will start at fly-half ahead of Dan Biggar against England on Saturday. Kiwi-convert Anscombe, 27, began against France but Biggar played against Italy. The latter picked up a knee knock in that game and was withdrawn as a precaution in the first half for his club Northampton last weekend, but is likely to be on the bench when Warren Gatland names his team this lunchtime for the crucial Six Nations clash. It is understood there will be no place in the 23-man squad for Leigh Halfpenny. The full-back has not played for more than three months after lingering concussion problems, having been knocked out against Australia in November. Despite returning to Wales training, he is not ready for a full-blooded return in Cardiff. Wales look set to continue with the back-three that served them well in Paris — with full-back Liam Williams partnering Josh Adams and George North on the wings. Jack Nowell is destined to reclaim his England starting place when Eddie Jones names his line-up this morning. The Exeter wing will replace Chris Ashton, who has a calf strain. The other enforced change will see Nowell’s Chiefs team-mate Ben Moon start at loosehead prop after Mako Vunipola was ruled out for the rest of the campaign with an ankle injury. Worcester centre Ben Te’o is likely to be left out of the 23, opening the way for Bath wing Joe Cokanasiga to make a Test comeback on the bench after missing two months with a knee injury.