England awaits for Francis in RWC

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis will make his first-ever Rugby World Cup start after he was named in Wales' starting line-up to face England in their Pool A clash this Saturday at Twickenham (8pm).

Francis, who featured off the bench during last weekend's 54-9 Pool A victory over Uruguay, will win his fourth international cap in a front-row that also contains hooker Scott Baldwin and fellow prop Gethin Jenkins.

Jenkins will play in his fourth Rugby World Cup amd will make his 16th appearance in the game's showpiece tournament. Bradley Davies and Alun Wyn Jones pack down in the second-row.

Elsewhere, captain Sam Warburton packs down in an all British and Irish Lions back-row with Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau.

"Saturday is a huge occasion for both teams and for the tournament and we are really looking forward to it," said Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland.

"Both sides kicked their tournament off with a bonus-point win but we know we will need to step up at Twickenham on Saturday."

Ken Owens, Aaron Jarvis and Samson Lee are the front-row replacements, with Luke Charteris and Justin Tipuric completing the forwards contingent. Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland and Alex Cuthbert are named as the backs replacements.

WALES TEAM TO PLAY ENGLAND

Liam Williams; George North, Scott Williams, Jamie Roberts, Hallam Amos; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Gethin Jenkins, Scott Baldwin, Tomas Francis; Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones; Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (capt), Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Aaron Jarvis, Samson Lee, Luke Charteris, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, Alex Cuthbert.