Autumn Nations Series | What are the teams for Wales v England in the Summer Nations Series?

by Summer Nations Series

Wales and England kick-off their Summer Nations Series schedule with the first of a derby double-header on Saturday.

The two teams meet twice in a week, with Cardiff the stage for the first match in what both teams will hope is a long and fruitful few months.

The World Cup looms on the horizon, and England head coach Steve Borthwick will name his squad on Monday – meaning this match is the last chance players have to secure their seat.

England won the last time they played Wales, with Kyle Sinckler and Ollie Lawrence scoring tries in a 20-10 win.

WALES

Leigh Halfpenny is named at fullback and due to win his 100th Wales cap, having made his senior international debut on the wing against South Africa on 8 November 2008 while a teenager.

Halfpenny was awarded his 50th cap against Ireland in the 2014 Six Nations, becoming the youngest Welsh men’s player to do so at the time. George North – who will start at centre on Saturday – broke that record a year later.

Keiron Assiratti (tighthead prop), Corey Domachowski (loosehead prop) and Max Llewellyn (centre) are all selected in the starting XV for their first senior Wales caps.

Henry Thomas and Taine Plumtree, named among the replacements, are also in line to make their senior Wales debuts this weekend.

Jac Morgan starts at openside flanker and is named captain for this fixture – his first time for the senior side after previously captaining Wales at U20 level.

Wales team to play England: 15. Leigh Halfpenny, 14. Louis Rees-Zammit, 13. George North, 12. Max Llewellyn, 11. Rio Dyer, 10. Sam Costelow, 9. Gareth Davies, 1. Corey Domachowski, 2. Ryan Elias, 3. Keiron Assiratti, 4. Dafydd Jenkins, 5. Will Rowlands, 6. Christ Tshiunza, 7. Jac Morgan, 8. Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: 16. Elliot Dee, 17. Nicky Smith, 18. Henry Thomas, 19. Ben Carter, 20. Taine Plumtree, 21. Tomos Williams, 22. Dan Biggar, 23. Mason Grady

ENGLAND

Tom Pearson will make his international debut when England get their Summer Nations Series campaign underway against Wales.

The Northampton Saints flanker is one of three uncapped players in the visiting squad, with Saracens duo Theo Dan and Tom Willis both in line to win their first caps off the bench.

Pearson will be joined in the back row by clubmate Lewis Ludlam and Harlequins No.8 Alex Dombrandt.

Ellis Genge will captain the team from loosehead prop, with hooker Jamie Blamire and Will Stuart completing the front row.

David Ribbans and George Martin will link up in the engine room.

Borthwick has opted to go with Marcus Smith at fly-half and Danny Care is set to win his 88th cap at nine.

Joe Marchant and Guy Porter start in the centres, while Freddie Steward, Max Malins and Joe Cokanasiga make up the back three.

Team to play Wales

15. Freddie Steward, 14. Max Malins, 13. Joe Marchant, 12. Guy Porter 11. Joe Cokanasiga, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Danny Care; 1. Ellis Genge ©, 2. Jamie Blamire, 3. Will Stuart, 4. David Ribbans, 5. George Martin, 6. Lewis Ludlam, 7. Tom Pearson, 8. Alex Dombrandt

Replacements:

16. Theo Dan, 17. Bevan Rodd, 18. Kyle Sinckler, 19. Jonny Hill, 20. Tom Willis, 21. Jack van Poortvliet, 22. George Ford, 23. Henry Slade