Jonathan Davies is back in the Wales side for the first time since November to face England in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Sunday.
The Scarlets centre has played only two halves of rugby since suffering a
chest injury against South Africa.
Davies, 25, is one of two changes from the side which beat
with lock Alun Wyn Jones, 28, back after recovering from a foot infection.
Rhys Webb remains at scrum-half ahead of Mike Phillips, who is on the bench.
There is one positional change in the backline. With Davies returning to partner Jamie Roberts at centre, George North reverts to the wing with versatile Scarlet Liam Williams back on the bench.
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.
England are form team – Priestland
Also a replacement is Scarlets lock Jake Ball, who was impressive on his first Wales start against France when Jones was a late withdrawal.
“It’s great to have both Jon and Alun Wyn back and available, and they come into a very experienced side,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
“Jon came through the match well at the weekend [playing for Scarlets against Munster].
“And he is ready to go. We were happy with the response and performance against France, but we know we will have to raise it another level on Sunday.
“We are really looking forward to going up to Twickenham – England have performed well so far and it’s set up to be a great game with all to play for.”
The back row remains unchanged with captain Sam Warburton featuring alongside Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau.
Ken Owens, Rhodri Jones and Paul James are named as the front-row replacements and are joined on the bench by Ball and Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric.
Phillips, Dan Biggar and Liam Williams provide the cover for the backs.
Wales:
Leigh Halfpenny (Blues); Alex Cuthbert (Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), George North (Northampton); Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys); Gethin Jenkins (Blues), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), Sam Warburton (Blues, capt), Taulupe Faletau (Dragons).
Replacements:
Ken Owens (Scarlets), Paul James (Bath Rugby), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Liam Williams (Scarlets).
Article source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/rugby-league-player-keith-masons-5134632
Six Nations 2014: Jonathan Davies in Wales team to face England
No comments:
Post a Comment