SM
Southampton vs. West Brom: 17 hrs 46 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

George Ford to return for England against Wales

:Headline: George Ford to return for England against Wales: ID:423832: from db_amp
The fly-half made his comeback from an Achilles injury as a replacement in last weekend's win over Ireland.

England have named George Ford at fly-half in their only change for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Cup clash with Wales at Parc y Scarlets.

Ford has been reinstated as playmaker-in-chief after making his comeback from an Achilles injury as a replacement in last weekend’s resounding 18-7 victory over Ireland at Twickenham.

The midfield adjustment is partially a result of Ollie Lawrence suffering a hip problem and the knock-on effect is to see captain Owen Farrell join Henry Slade in the centres.

While the rest of the starting XV – including the pack that submitted Ireland in such brutal fashion – have been retained, Eddie Jones has made some adjustments to the bench.

Jack Willis is poised to win his second cap after being included in a six-two split between forwards and backs alongside fellow flanker Ben Earl and lock Jonny Hill.

Ellis Genge has held off the challenge of Joe Marler to supply loosehead prop cover for Mako Vunipola.

For this first time this autumn, Marler was available having recovered from a knee injury but Jones has opted to leave him out of the 23, potentially in a nod to his history with Wales.

Joe Marler, let, has been left out (David Rogers/PA)

Had he been picked, the Lions front row would have been making his first international appearance since grabbing Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones by the genitals in March, an offence that incurred a 10-week ban.

Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie wins back his place as an explosive deputy to Jamie George following his battle with a knee complaint and Anthony Watson supplies back three cover having shaken off an ankle issue.

It would be a major upset for England to not finish top of Group A and set-up a tournament final against France at Twickenham on December 6.

Wales ended their six-match losing run when they dispatched Georgia last weekend but they remain vulnerable, with head coach Wayne Pivac under pressure to orchestrate a turnaround.

“We’re expecting another tough match, and at the home of Welsh rugby where the heart and soul of their game is,” England head coach Jones said.

“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.”

amp_article__423832 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-11-26 11:18:05:
html db last update - 2021-03-08 23:05:32 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about George Ford

Click here for more stories about England

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City37277393336088
2Arsenal37275589286186
3Liverpool372310484414379
4Aston Villa37208976562068
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs371961271611063
6Chelsea371791175621360
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle371761481602157
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd37176145558-357
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham371410135971-1252
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton371212135560-548
11Bournemouth37139155365-1248
12Crystal Palace371210155258-646
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves37137175063-1346
14Fulham37128175159-844
15Everton37139153949-1040
16Brentford37109185461-739
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3789204766-1929
18Luton TownLuton3768235081-3126
RBurnley3759234076-3624
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd37372735101-6616
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .