Chiefs trio to face Wales

By Mark Stevens
26/11/20

Eddie Jones has named his England team for their key Autumn Nations Cup tie against Wales this weekend.

Exeter Chiefs trio Henry Slade, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jonny Hill have all been named in the match-day 23 for the game, which will take place at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday (4pm)

Slade keeps his place in the centre alongside captain Owen Farrell, who switches from fly-half to the midfield after George Ford was recalled to the starting line-up.

After becoming England men’s joint second highest try scorer against Ireland, Jonny May continues at left wing while Jonathan Joseph is on the right wing. Elliot Daly at full back and Ben Youngs is scrum half.

England name an unchanged forward pack. In the back row, Billy Vunipola will play at No.8, with Tom Curry (blindside) and Sam Underhill (openside) as flankers. Mako Vunipola (loose-head prop), Kyle Sinckler (tight-head prop) and Jamie George (hooker) make up the front row. Maro Itoje remains at lock with Joe Launchbury to complete the tight five.

Cowan-Dickie and Anthony Watson return from injury on the bench and they are joined by Hill, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Dan Robson, Will Stuart and Jack Willis.

England’s last tournament game, a Quilter International at Twickenham Stadium, will determine their final standing in the competition (Sunday 6 December, 2pm KO).

Jones said: “We’re expecting another tough match, and at the home of Welsh Rugby where the heart and soul of their game is. Twelve months ago, Wales were Grand Slam champions and three points from a World Cup final, so we know what they are capable of. We’ve picked the best 23 players for the battle and we’re looking forward to it greatly.”

Wales v England is live on Amazon Prime.

ENGLAND TEAM TO FACE WALES

15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 45 caps)
14. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 53 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 32 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 86 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 59 caps)
10. George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 70 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 102 caps)
1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 62 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 52 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 38 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 41 caps)
5. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 67 caps)
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 26 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 20 caps)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 54 caps)

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 24 caps)
17. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 6 caps)
19. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 2 caps)
20. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 6 caps)
21. Jack Willis (Wasps, 1 cap)
22. Dan Robson (Wasps, 5 caps)
23. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 44 caps)