George North will become the youngest player in history to reach 100 Test caps for his country after coming back into the Wales side as one of five changes for the Round 3 clash against England on Saturday.
The 28-year-old made his Wales debut against South Africa back in November 2010 and will now pass the century mark as he forms an all-new centre pairing with Jonathan Davies, in place of Nick Tompkins and Owen Watkin.
At scrum-half, Kieran Hardy starts ahead of Gareth Davies after impressing off the bench in the comeback win over Scotland in Round 2, while Josh Adams is chosen on the wing following the conclusion of his suspension for breaking team Covid-19 protocol, with Liam Williams moving to full-back and Leigh Halfpenny dropping out.
There is just one change in the pack for the clash in Cardiff as fit-again Josh Navidi is selected at blindside flanker ahead of Aaron Wainwright.
Wales are still on course for a Grand Slam after engineering comeback victories over the 14 men of Ireland and Scotland respectively in the opening two rounds and welcome England to Principality Stadium full of confidence.
“We’ve had a great two weeks leading into this game and we are looking forward to Saturday,” said Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.
“We continue to build and we know there is plenty left in us in terms of improvements from the opening two rounds. We are 2/2 but we want to continue to improve performance-wise.
“Saturday is a great milestone for George, it is a huge achievement at his age and we are looking forward to seeing him in action.”
Wales team to play England in Round 3 of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations 15. Liam Williams (Scarlets, 68 Caps) 14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester Rugby, 6 Caps) 13. George North (Ospreys, 99 Caps) 12. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets, 85 Caps) 11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues, 29 Caps) 10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints, 89 Caps) 9. Kieran Hardy (Scarlets, 3 Caps) 1. Wyn Jones (Scarlets, 32 Caps) 2. Ken Owens (Scarlets, 79 Caps) 3. Tomas Francis Exeter Chiefs, (54 Caps) 4. Adam Beard (Ospreys, 23 Caps) 5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, 145 Caps) – captain 6. Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues, 25 Caps) 7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys, 82 Caps) 8. Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby, 83 Caps)
Replacements: 16. Elliot Dee (Dragons, 34 Caps) 17. Rhodri Jones (Ospreys, 19 Caps) 18. Leon Brown (Dragons, 14 Caps) 19. Cory Hill (Cardiff Blues, 29 Caps) 20. James Botham (Cardiff Blues, 4 Caps) 21. Gareth Davies (Scarlets, 59 Caps) 22. Callum Sheedy (Bristol Bears, 6 Caps) 23. Willis Halaholo (Cardiff Blues, 1 Cap)
