Gatland names Wales team for Twickenham

Wales have named their team to face England in the Natwest 6 Nations at Twickenham on Saturday.

Warren Gatland’s side surprised many with their performance against Scotland, in a 34-7 bonus point win.

The New Zealander has named the same starting 15 for the game against Eddie Jones’ side.

George North, who made a try scoring return for Northampton at the weekend, returns to the 23-man squad in place of Owen Watkin.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland said:

“It’s great to name an unchanged starting XV, the players deserve that for a very good performance on the opening weekend.

“We have made one change on the bench, with George coming in for Owen (Watkin), which is tough on Owen but Josh (Adams) picked up a slight strain last weekend so George provides us a bit more cover there.

“We know how tough it is going to be against that huge English forward pack. They are really going to test us. England have been in great form the last couple of years so we know the challenge we face but we have had a good couple of weeks in camp and we are looking forward to going up to Twickenham.”

WALES TEAM TO PLAY ENGLAND:

Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets) (75 Caps)
Josh Adams (Worcester) (1 Cap)
Scott Williams (Scarlets) (52 Caps)
Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) (2 Caps)
Steff Evans (Scarlets) (6 Caps)
Rhys Patchell (Scarlets) (6 Caps)
Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (28 Caps)
Rob Evans (Scarlets) (21 Caps)
Ken Owens (Scarlets) (53 Caps)
Samson Lee (Scarlets) (34 Caps)
Cory Hill (Dragons) (11 Caps)
Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (114 Caps) CAPT
Aaron Shingler (Scarlets) (14 Caps)
Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues) (8 Caps)
Ross Moriarty (Gloucester) (18 Caps)

Replacements:

Elliot Dee (Dragons) (3 Caps)
Wyn Jones (Scarlets) (6 Caps)
Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (27 Caps)
Bradley Davies (Ospreys) (58 Caps)
Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (53 Caps)
Aled Davies (Scarlets) (6 Caps)
Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues) (12 Caps)
George North (Northampton Saints) (69 Caps)

? Hear from Warren Gatland as he talks selection ahead of Saturday's clash against England

?? https://t.co/WdOdq9cacA pic.twitter.com/ipwKtD8vwZ

— Welsh Rugby Union ??????? (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 6, 2018

After the Scotland game Gatland reminded everyone of Wales’ record at Twickenham.

“We go next week to a venue where we have had a lot of success in the last ten years and played well there, so we are looking forward to it.”

Wales beat England in the group stage of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but their last 6 Nations success at the ground was in 2012.

TEAM NEWS ??????? Wales name unchanged starting XV for Twickenham clash with @EnglandRugby. Dim newid i'r XV cychwynnol am y daith i Loegr dydd Sadwrn. #Natwest6Nations pic.twitter.com/7nuK3dFYZQ

— Welsh Rugby Union ??????? (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 6, 2018