England team to face Wales in Six Nations

23 Feb 2023 | 3 min |

England team to face Wales in Six Nations

Steve Borthwick has named the England team that will take on Wales in the Guinness Six Nations this weekend.

England's head coach has made one change to the starting team that beat Italy 31-14 a fortnight ago, with Anthony Watson coming in at left wing. Max Malins features at right wing and Freddie Steward is at full back.

Captain Owen Farrell is named fly half, with Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade making up the centre partnership. Jack van Poortvliet stays at scrum half.

In an unchanged forward pack, vice-captain Ellis Genge joins Kyle Sinckler and hooker Jamie George in the front row. Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum are at lock, Lewis Ludlam and Jack Willis the flankers, with No. 8 Alex Dombrandt completing the starting side.

Vice-captain Courtney Lawes could make his England return following injury after being named as a replacement. He is alongside Jack Walker, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith and Henry Arundell on the bench.

"Wales v England in Cardiff is one of the iconic rugby fixtures, steeped in history and always full of passion," said Borthwick. "We know the Principality Stadium crowd will be in full voice and we will have to be at our very best to repeat the success we had in the last round against Italy.

"I have selected a team that I think has the right players and balance to meet the particular challenges we will face this weekend. I am delighted to have welcomed Courtney Lawes back to the squad after injury. His quality and experience has contributed to a focused training week, marked by the sort of competition and intensity we expect.

"I could not have asked any more from all the players and there is no doubt that they can’t wait to be a part of this special occasion."