Gatland sticks with winning combinations

Tue, Feb 6, 2018, 9:35 PM
AFP
by AFP
Warren Gatland has stuck with the side that beat Scotland. Photo: Getty Images
Warren Gatland has stuck with the side that beat Scotland. Photo: Getty Images

Wales coach Warren Gatland has named an unchanged team for Saturday's Six Nations clash against England at Twickenham as he looks to build on a stunning opening win against Scotland.

His only switch is on the replacements' bench, where fit-again Northampton wing George North takes over from Owen Watkin.

North, who has twice been sidelined by knee injuries this season, last played for Wales when they lost to France in the final match of last season's tournament. He has scored 30 tries in 69 Wales appearances.

Wales opened their Six Nations campaign with a 34-7 thumping of Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday.

Wales had plenty to celebrate on Saturday night. Photo: Getty Images"It's great to name an unchanged starting XV," said Gatland. "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 takes on England in the second round of the Six Nations fixtures on Saturday February 10 at 4:45pm local, Sunday 3:45am AEDT.

TEAM

Wales to face England

1. Rob Evans

2. Ken Owens

3. Samson Lee

4. Cory Hill

5. Alun Wyn Jones

6. Aaron Shingler

7. Josh Navidi

8. Ross Moriarty

9. Gareth Davies

10. Rhys Patchell

11. Steffan Evans

12. Hadleigh Parkes

13. Scott Williams

14. Josh Adams

15. Leigh Halfpenny

Reserves

16. Elliot Dee

17. Wyn Jones

18. Tomas Francis

19. Bradley Davies

20. Justin Tipuric

21. Aled Davies

22. Gareth Anscombe

23. George North

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