England men to play Wales in Six Nations
England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named an unchanged starting XV to play Wales at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 10th February.
Elsewhere, Borthwick makes just one change to the match day 23 with vice-captain Ellis Genge included amongst the replacements having recovered from a foot injury which kept him out of England’s opening round victory against Italy in Rome.
The sold-out second-round game of the 2024 Guinness Six Nations sees Jamie George lead England out as captain for the first time at the home of England Rugby. The hooker packs down in the front row with Joe Marler at loosehead and Will Stuart on the tighthead.
At lock, vice-captain Maro Itoje is paired with Ollie Chessum. The back row sees last weekend’s Guinness player of the match Ethan Roots win his second cap at blindside flanker, with Sam Underhill on the openside and Ben Earl at No.8 to round off the England pack.
Scrum-half Alex Mitchell teams up with vice-captain George Ford at 10. In midfield, Fraser Dingwall starts his second game at inside centre alongside Henry Slade at 13.
In the back three, Elliot Daly is named on the left wing, with Tommy Freeman on the right and Freddie Steward selected at full-back.
On the bench, Theo Dan, vice-captain Genge, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Chandler Cunningham-South, Danny Care, Fin Smith and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are named as replacements.
“It was both pleasing and important to have started our Six Nations campaign in Rome with a victory,” said Borthwick.
“It was good to have done so in front of so many travelling England supporters.
“However, we know there are areas of our game to improve as we prepare for this Saturday’s game against a spirited Wales team.
“With a new player group and a number of new caps, we have tried to develop our game on both sides of the ball. Such changes take time, and I was pleased how quickly the players settled and adapted last weekend against Italy.
“We’re delighted to be back playing in front of a sold-out Twickenham Stadium this Saturday. The visit of the Wales team is always a fixture that creates a special atmosphere.
“I have no doubt that this group of players are relishing the challenge before them and are looking forward to creating a very special experience for our supporters.”
ENGLAND v WALES
Saturday 10 February 2024
Twickenham Stadium
Kick-off: 4.45pm (GMT)
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 32 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 58 caps)
12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 65 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 92 caps) – vice captain
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 12 caps)
1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 89 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 86 caps) – captain
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 34 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 77 caps) – vice captain
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
6. Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 31 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 26 caps)
Replacements:
16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 8 caps)
17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 58 caps) – vice captain
18. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 108 caps)
19. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
20. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 1 cap)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 97 caps)
22. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
23. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)