England hand Ruaridh McConnochie debut for game against Wales
Ruaridh McConnochie will make his first England start
©Steve Haag
England coach Eddie Jones has handed wing Ruaridh McConnochie his first start in the upcoming World Cup warm-up game against Wales scheduled in Cardiff this weekend.
McConnochie was a late withdrawal in the previous game against Warren Gatland following an injury but is now set to make his first appearance for the red rose team in the place of Anthony Watson.
George Ford will once again captain the side and will take the fly-half role with Willi Heinz at scrum-half while Maro Itoje returns in the place of Charlie Ewels. As a result of injury to Tom Curry, Lewis Ludlam switches to openside allowing Courtney Lawes to make a return to the starting line-up.
"The game is very much about ourselves preparing for the World Cup and we are respectful that we have got such strong opposition at their home ground. We are looking forward to it.
"The squad has been progressing well this week and I think there is a realisation among the squad now that the hard work really starts, nothing has been achieved."
England starting XV: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Ruaridh McConnochie, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Piers Francis, 11 Joe Cokanasiga, 10 George Ford (c), 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Lewis Ludlam, 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 Maro Itoje, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 George Kruis, 20 Jack Singleton, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Manu Tuilagi
