Fly-half Owen Farrell regains the captain’s armband and his starting place against Wales on Saturday at Twickenham, according to the composition announced Thursday by Steve Borthwick, coach of an England XV under pressure after three defeats in a row.
The technician made eleven changes from the starting line-up against the Welsh side last week, a 20-9 defeat which followed setbacks against France (53-10) and Ireland (29-16) in March in the Six Nations Tournament.
Several seasoned internationals are making a comeback among the starters, like third-line Billy Vunipola (a first since 2022) and second-line Maro Itoje, one of the strong men of the XV de la Rose, absent in Cardiff.
Three-quarter center Joe Marchant (Stade Français) retains his place for revenge against the Welsh in a team close to that expected next month at the World Cup (September 8-October 28).
Conversely, Wales coach Warren Gatland has decided to completely modify his starting XV.
The English will continue their preparation against Ireland on August 19 in Dublin then against Fiji at Twickenham on August 26, last tests before challenging Argentina, Japan, the Samoa Islands and Chile during the group stage of the organized tournament In France.
England v Wales line-upSteward – Arundell, Marchant, O. Lawrence, Daly – (o) Farrell (cap.), (m) van Poortvliet – Earl, Vunipola, Lawes – G. Martin, Itoje – Stuart, George, Marler. Subs: Dan, Genge, Cole, Hill, J. Willis, B. Youngs, Ford, Malins.
