For England’s trip to Wales in round three of the Guinness Six Nations, head coach Steve Borthwick has confirmed that Courtney Lawes will make his return for England following a calf injury which kept him out of contention the opening two rounds.
The England vice-captain has played just four games so far this season, the lock and back-row last playing at the end of January for club side Northampton Saints in their Heineken Champions Cup loss to Stade Rochelais.
After his own numerous injury concerns, Anthony Watson gets his first Test start since he lined up for the British and Irish Lions in the second Test of the 2021 tour to South Africa.
The Leicester Tigers back comes in for Ollie Hassell-Collins, who picked up a knee injury in a three-day training camp in London last week.
Watson made his international return for England as a substitute in the 23-29 loss to Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, the 28-year-old having impressed Borthwick after moving to Mattioli Woods Welford Road last summer.
Elsewhere, there are no other changes. After strong performances against Italy, Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence maintain their places in the midfield and play outside of half-backs Owen Farrell and Jack van Poortvliet.
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Your England men's Starting XV to face Wales on Saturday. #WALvENG | @O2 | #WearTheRose
Freddie Steward and Max Malins complete the back three alongside Watson, while the pack is completely unchanged from two weekends ago.
Lewis Ludlam, Alex Dombrandt and Jack make up the back-row, Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum continue at lock and Ellis Genge, Jamie George and Kyle Sinckler make it three from three in the front-row.
While much of the week has been shrouded in doubt as a result of threatened strike action by the Wales squad as budgets for the country’s four regions continue to be deliberated, England’s head coach is enthusiastic about Saturday’s clash.
“Wales v England in Cardiff is one of the iconic rugby fixtures, steeped in history and always full of passion,” Borthwick said.
“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.”
From the bench Dan Dole will win his 98th cap for England, while Lawes has come in for Isiekwe and Ben Curry replaces Ben Earl.
Finally, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith and Henry Arundell will once again look to have an impact from the bench as they did against Italy.
Freddie Steward; Max Malins, Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Anthony Watson; Owen Farrell, Jack van Poortvliet; Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum, Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis & Alex Dombrandt
Jack Walker, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, Courtney Lawes, Ben Curry, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith & Henry Arundell
