Welsh test for Chiefs pair

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs back Jack Nowell is set to win his fourth cap for England after he was today named in their starting XV for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations match against Wales at Twickenham Stadium.

The young Cornishman has been an ever-present on the right wing for Stuart Lancaster's side throughout the tournament so far - and this weekend he will be joined in the squad by club-mate Tom Johnson.

Back-row star Johnson has been included on the bench as he fills the void vacated by Gloucester's Ben Morgan, who has been promoted into the starting line-up following the injury to Saracens No.8 Billy Vunipola.

Lancaster said: “Ben has made an impact off the bench in the previous games. He has been pushing hard for the No 8 shirt and now gets his opportunity so we are looking forward to seeing him from the start. Tom has been outstanding for Exeter Chiefs and gives us options off the bench as he has played in all three backrow positions for his club.

“We can’t wait to play at home again. The players have said that the atmosphere at Twickenham for the Ireland game was the best they had experienced and I am sure it will be the same again on Sunday. It definitely gives us an extra lift and that’s what we want against another experienced, high quality side, who are looking to defend their title.”

England (v Wales, RBS 6 Nations, Twickenham Stadium, Sunday, 3pm, live on BBC Sport)

15 Mike Brown (Harlequins, 24 caps)
14 Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps)
13 Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
12 Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby, 11 caps)
11 Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 4 caps)
10 Owen Farrell (Saracens, 22 caps)
9 Danny Care (Harlequins, 45 caps)
1 Joe Marler (Harlequins, 18 caps)
2 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints, 53 caps)
3 David Wilson (Bath Rugby, 32 caps)
4 Joe Launchbury (London Wasps, 17 caps)
5 Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 28 caps)
6 Tom Wood (Northampton Saints, 26 caps)
7 Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, capt, 23 caps)
8 Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby, 18 caps)

Replacements

16 Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)
17 Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 13 caps)
18 Henry Thomas (Sale Sharks, 4 caps)
19 Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby, 8 caps)
20 Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs, 5 caps)
21 Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints, 14 caps)
22 George Ford (Bath Rugby, uncapped