Ford back in the England starting line up for Wales encounter
England have named George Ford at fly-half in their only change for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Cup clash with Wales at Parc y Scarlets.
Ford has been reinstated as playmaker-in-chief after making his comeback from an Achilles injury as a re - placement in last weekend’s resounding 18-7 victory over Ireland at Twickenham.
The midfield adjustment is partially a result of Ollie Lawrence suffering a hip problem and the knock-on effect is to see captain Owen Farrell join Henry Slade in the centres.
While the rest of the starting XV – including the pack that submitted Ireland in such brutal fashion – have been retained, Eddie Jones has made s o m e ad j u s tm e nt s to th e bench.
Jack Willis is poised to win his second cap after being included in a six-two split between forwards and backs Had he been picked, the Lihaving shaken off an ankle isalongsidesue.fellowflankerBenonsfrontrowwouldhavebeen
Earl and lock Jonny Hill. making his first international It would be a major upset
Ellis Genge has held off the appearance since grabbing for England to not finish top challenge of Joe Marler to supWales captain Alun Wyn Jones of Group A and set-up a tourply loosehead prop cover for by the genitals in March, an ofnament final against France Mako Vunipola. fence that incurred a 10-week at Twickenham on Decem
For this first time this auban. ber 6. tumn, Marler was available Hooker Luke Cowan-DickWa l e s e n d e d th ei r s i xhaving recovered from a knee ie wins back his place as an exmatch losing run when they injury but Jones has opted to plosive deputy to Jamie George dispatched Georgia last weekleave him out of the 23, potenfollowing his battle with a knee end but they remain vulnertially in a nod to his history with complaint and Anthony Watable, with head coach Wayne Wales. son supplies back three cover Pivac under pressure to orchestrate a turnaround.
“We’re expecting another tough match, and at the home ofWelsh rugbywheretheheart and soul of their game is,” England head coach Jones said.
“Twelve months ago, Wales were Grand Slam champions and three points from a World Cup final, so we know what they are capable of.
“We’ve picked the best 23 players for the battle and we’re looking forward to it greatly.”