Slade starts for England against Wales

By Mark Stevens
23/2/23

Exeter Chiefs star Henry Slade will line-up for England in Saturday's Guinness Six Nations Championship encounter with Wales in Cardiff (4.45pm).

The talented playmaker lines-up in an England side which shows just one change to the England starting team that beat Italy 31-14 a fortnight ago

That change comes on the wing where Anthony Watson replaces the injured Ollie Hassell-Collins.

Captain Owen Farrell starts at fly half with the pack unchanged. Vice-captain Courtney Lawes could make his England return following injury after being named as a replacement.

Head coach Steve 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 all the players and there is no doubt that they can’t wait to be a part of this special occasion.”

ENGLAND SIDE TO FACE WALES

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
14. Max Malins (Saracens, 16 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 53 caps)
12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 9 caps)
11. Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers, 52 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 103 caps, capt)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 45 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 74 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 58 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 64 caps)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)
6. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 16 caps)
7. Jack Willis (Toulouse, 7 caps)
8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 11 caps)

16. Jack Walker (Harlequins, 1 cap)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 76 caps)
18. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 97 caps)
19. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 96 caps)
20. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 19 caps)
23. Henry Arundell (London Irish, 4 caps)