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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Paul Abbandonato

The England team to play Wales in full as call made on Marcus Smith

England boss Steve Borthwick has again omitted star No.10 Marcus Smith from his team for Saturday's Six Nations showdown with Wales in Cardiff.

The Harlequins and England playmaker has to make do with a place on the bench once more, with captain Owen Farrell chosen to start at fly-half.

In fact Borthwick has made minimal alterations to the team for their Principality Stadium test, with just one enforced change from the side that overcame Italy 34-14 last time out.

READ MORE: England insist Wales' Principality Stadium roof be open for Six Nations clash

That sees Anthony Watson making his first Six Nations start for two years, coming onto the wing to replace the injured Ollie Hassell-Collins.

Watson will play on the left, with Max Malins featuring on the right wing and Freddie Steward is at full back.

Farrell is joined in the midfield by centres Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade, with Jack van Poortvliet retaining his place at scrum half.

The pack remains unchanged. However, vice-captain Courtney Lawes is in line to make his England return following injury after being named as a replacement.

Borthwick said: "Wales v England in Cardiff is one of the iconic rugby fixtures, steeped in history and always full of passion. 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 the players and there is no doubt that they can’t wait to be a part of this special occasion."

POLL: Who will win Wales v England in the Six Nations? Have your say below or right here

England: Freddie Steward; Max Malins, Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Anthony Watson; Owen Farrell (captain), Jack van Poortvliet; Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum, Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis, Alex Dombrandt.

Replacements: Jack Walker, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, Courtney Lawes, Ben Curry, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Henry Arundell.

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny; Josh Adams, Mason Grady, Joe Hawkins, Louis Rees-Zammit; Owen Williams, Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Ken Owens (capt), Tomas Francis, Adam Beard, Alun Wyn Jones, Christ Tshiunza, Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Bradley Roberts, Rhys Carre, Dillon Lewis, Dafydd Jenkins, Tommy Reffell, Kieran Hardy, Dan Biggar, Nick Tompkins.

READ NEXT:

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