Matt Sherratt has announced his Wales team that will take on England at Principality Stadium on Saturday, 15th March (kick-off 16:45, live on BBC 1).
In what will be his last game as head coach, Sherratt has made only two changes to his starting XV that lost 35-29 against Scotland. After naming an unchanged XV for first time in 66 Tests last timeout, he was unable to repeat that fate again as Tom Rogers has been ruled out due to a fracture thumb.
That means Scarlets centre, Joe Roberts for the first time in his professional career will start on the wing as he joins up with his regional side counterparts Ellis Mee and Blair Murray in the back-three. Roberts has come off the bench on two occasions in this year’s Championship, with his last outing seeing him play 71 minutes.
Another talking point is that Dragons RFC’s, Aaron Wainwright returns to the starting XV for the first time since the opening round of the Six Nations as he replaces Tommy Reffell. With the 27-year-old starting again, he joins back-up with Wales captain, Jac Morgan and Taulupe Faletau in the back-row for the first time since Wales’ triumph over Australia in Lyon at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
No New Faces in the Front Row
Having been impressive in his last two starts in the Welsh jersey, Elliot Dee remains at hooker despite Dewi Lake back fit. Dee will be joined by both Nicky Smith and WillGriff John to complete the front row.
Young and Old Remain in the Locks
33-year-old Will Rowlands will join 22-year-old Dafydd Jenkins in the second row. Jenkins made 28 tackles in his last outing for Wales and speaking to the press on Monday insisted that Wales ‘can’t allow’ England to win on Saturday.
Captain Morgan Moves Back to Seven
After playing on the blindside in Wales’ last two matches Captain, Jac Morgan will wear the seven jersey. He will join up with Wainwright and Taulupe Faletau in the back row.
No Changes in the Half-Backs
The pairing of Gloucester Rugby’s Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe remain in the nine and ten channel.
Strong Centre Partnership Continues
Ben Thomas who has vastly improved since returning to his beloved 12 shirt joins up with Max Llewellyn. The pair both crossed the whitewash at Murrayfield last weekend.
Surprise on the Wing
This may be interim head coach, Sherratt biggest call of his stint as Wales boss, 24-year-old Roberts will start on the wing for the first time in his professional career. Both Ellis Mee and Blair Murray will lineup for their first match against England in the Six Nations, as they complete the starting XV.
Wales team to play England
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets, 7 Caps)
14. Ellis Mee (Scarlets, 2 Caps
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby, 7 Caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby, 11 Caps)
11. Joe Roberts (Scarlets, 4 Caps)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Gloucester Rugby, 41 Caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby, 63 Caps)
1. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers, 54 Caps)
2. Elliot Dee (Dragons RFC, 55 Caps)
3. WillGriff John (Sale Sharks, 4 Caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92, 40 Caps)
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Rugby, 9 Caps)
6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons RFC, 56 Caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys, 22 Caps)- Captain
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby, 107 Caps)
Replacements:
16. Dewi Lake (Ospreys, 19 Caps)
17. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys, 39 Caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby, 12 Caps)
19. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby, 5 Caps)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers, 26 Caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons RFC, 8 Caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (Harlequins, 10 Caps)
23. Nick Tompkins (Saracens, 40 Caps)
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