» Heinz in line to make England debut,
WILLI Heinz looks poised to make his England debut against Wales at Twickenham on Sunday.
The Gloucester captain has been named in a 33-man squad ahead of the first World Cup warm-up, giving his hopes of going to Japan a huge boost.
However, Danny Cipriani has once again been left out, which looks to be the final nail in the coffin for the Gloucester fly-half.
No more players have been added to the squad that have assembled today at Pennyhill Park and Ben Spencer is among those who have dropped out from the group who attended England’s 12-day training camp in Italy, leaving Heinz and first choice Ben Youngs as the only scrum-halves.
Mike Brown (Harlequins), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins) and Ben Te’o (unattached) are the other players not included, while Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs) will continue his rehabilitation in camp.
Cipriani was initially named in England’s World Cup training squad but spent a week doing specialised strength and conditioning training away from the main group and did not travel to Italy.
No reason has been given for his absence but he is not thought to be injured.
England will name their 23-man matchday squad to face Wales on Friday and head coach Eddie Jones will announce the 31-man World Cup squad the day after the game.
Jones said: “We have worked hard and now move into a four-game preparation phase where the development of the team tactically is paramount. We are grateful for the strong opposition to test our game fitness.
“By the time we fly outon the 8th of Septemberwe will be ready to win the Rugby World Cup. We are not there yet but we have four games to get ready.
“Players excluded from being involved in this camp are naturally disappointed but may get another opportunity so they must be ready.”
England will play Wales (August 11) and Ireland (August 24) at Twickenham Stadium and Italy (September 6) in Newcastle as part of the Quilter Internationals as well as an away fixture against Wales (August 17) in Cardiff.