England name an unchanged starting line-up this weekend as they take on Wales, with Northampton Saints’ Alex Mitchell, Fraser Dingwall, Tommy Freeman set to start the clash while Alex Coles and Fin Smith are named amongst the replacements.
Steve Borthwick’s England began their Guinness Six Nations campaign with a 24-27 win in Rome last weekend, with all five Saints featuring against Italy in the Round 1 victory.
Mitchell – who scored one of England’s two tries in the opening round – starts at scrum-half again this weekend, with last week’s debutant Dingwall outside him in the centres.
Freeman earns his fifth England cap on the wing at Twickenham Stadium, while lock Alex Coles is also in line for a fifth cap as he’s named amongst the replacements alongside Saints teammate Smith – who debuted against Italy last weekend.
Ahead of the sold-out clash, head coach Borthwick said: “It was both pleasing and important to have started our Six Nations campaign in Rome with a victory,” said Borthwick.
“It was good to have done so in front of so many travelling England supporters.
“However, we know there are areas of our game to improve as we prepare for this Saturday’s game against a spirited Wales team.
“With a new player group and a number of new caps, we have tried to develop our game on both sides of the ball. Such changes take time, and I was pleased how quickly the players settled and adapted last weekend against Italy.
“We’re delighted to be back playing in front of a sold-out Twickenham Stadium this Saturday. The visit of the Wales team is always a fixture that creates a special atmosphere.
“I have no doubt that this group of players are relishing the challenge before them and are looking forward to creating a very special experience for our supporters.”
England team to face Wales
Saturday 10 February 2024
Guinness Six Nations, Round 2
Twickenham Stadium
Kick-off: 4.45pm (GMT)
15 Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 32 caps)
14 Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
13 Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 58 caps)
12 Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
11 Elliot Daly (Saracens, 65 caps)
10 George Ford (Sale Sharks, 92 caps) – vice captain
9 Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 12 caps)
1 Joe Marler (Harlequins, 89 caps)
2 Jamie George (Saracens, 86 caps) – captain
3 Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 34 caps)
4 Maro Itoje (Saracens, 77 caps) – vice captain
5 Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
6 Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)
7 Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 31 caps)
8 Ben Earl (Saracens, 26 caps)
Replacements:
16 Theo Dan (Saracens, 8 caps)
17 Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 58 caps) – vice captain
18 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 108 caps)
19 Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
20 Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 1 cap)
21 Danny Care (Harlequins, 97 caps)
22 Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
23 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)
