Five uncapped players in England's matchday squad to face Wales
Gloucester’s Willi Heinz is named at scrum-half
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England coach Eddie Jones has named five uncapped players in the matchday squad for the opening World Cup warm-up game against Wales to be played at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday.
Gloucester's Willi Heinz and Bath's Ruaridh McConnochie are named at scrum-half and right wing respectively with George Ford set to the lead the red rose team. Heinz has also been named the vice-captain of the side along with Sam Underhill.
Northampton Saints' Lewis Ludlam, Harlequins' Joe Marchant and Saracens' Jack Singleton are the other uncapped players, who are set to make their debut from the bench.
"We have completed our four weeks of pre-season training and now we have moved into four weeks of warm-up games ahead of the Rugby World Cup," said Jones.
"Our focus has now changed to match preparation and fitness and creating a game that will stand up to the rigours of the tournament where we have to win seven games in seven weeks.
"Our team selection and tactics in our next four games are all about developing a team capable of winning in Japan and our overarching target of being ready when we get on the plane on September 8 to win the World Cup."
Anthony Watson also returns to the line-up and will play his first game since March last year after recovering from a long-term injury with Luke Cowan-Dickie named as hooker on his first start for England.
England starting line-up: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Ruaridh McConnochie, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Piers Francis, 11 Anthony Watson, 10 George Ford (captain), 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Tom Curry, 5 Charlie Ewels, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Jack Singleton, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Harry Williams, 19 George Kruis, 20 Lewis Ludlam, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 Joe Marchant, 23 Joe Cokanasiga
