Davies Starts for Wales

Centre Jonathan Davies has been recalled into Wales’ starting line-up to face England at Twickenham on Sunday after a four-month absence from Test rugby.

The Scarlet suffered a torn pectoral muscle injury during Wales’ opening autumn series defeat to South Africa in November and has played just 105 minutes of competitive action for his regional side since.

However, the 25-year-old, who was a star performer in last summer’s Lions tour of Australia, returns to resume his undeniably powerful midfield combination with Jamie Roberts.

George North featured in the centres against France last month, filling the Davies hole, and will resultantly return to his favoured wing position, with Liam Williams dropping out.

The only other change to the squad sees the experienced head of Alun-Wyn Jones return to the Welsh second-row in place of Jake Ball.

Scarlets pair Williams and Ball are both on the bench, along with Mike Phillips as Rhys Webb retains scrum-half duties after impressing on his first Wales start when France were crushed 27-6.

Jones, meanwhile, missed the France encounter due to a foot infection, but he has now fully recovered.

Gatland’s starting line-up contains 11 of the team that crushed English hopes of a Grand Slam last year by a record 30-3 margin in Cardiff. Webb, fly-half Rhys Preistland, lock Luke Charteris and flanker Dan Lydiate the only players involved this time who did not start that game.

And there are nine members of the Gatland-coached Lions third Test team that destroyed Australia in Sydney last July to claim a first series triumph since 1997.

Reflecting on his selection for Twickenham, Gatland said: "It's great to have both Jon and Alun-Wyn back and available, and they come into a very experienced side.

"Jon came through the match well at the weekend (against Munster) and he is ready to go.

"We were happy with the response and performance against France, but we know we will have to raise it another level on Sunday.

"We are really looking forward to going up to Twickenham. England have performed well so far, and it is set up to be a great game with all to play for."

Four teams - Ireland, England, Wales and France - are currently locked on four points at the top of the Six Nations table.

Ireland's superior points difference means they are favourites to lift the title, although their final game on March 15 is against France in Paris.

The losers at Twickenham will effectively be out of title contention, which further raises the stakes for the 125th meeting between two fierce rivals. The countries are currently locked on 56 wins each, with 12 draws.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster is due to name his starting XV on Friday.