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Ford returns to the fold in only England change for Wales clash

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Eddie Jones has made just one change to his England side ahead of their final Autumn Nations Cup group stage match against Wales on Saturday, with George Ford replacing Ollie Lawrence in the starting XV.

Eddie Jones has made just one change to his England side ahead of their final Autumn Nations Cup group stage match against Wales on Saturday, with George Ford replacing Ollie Lawrence in the starting XV.

The Red Rose travel to Llanelli looking to make it three wins out of three in the group stages, following victories over Georgia and Ireland in the last fortnight, while Wales will be looking to build on their 18-0 victory over the Lelos last time out.

Ford returns to the starting line-up at fly half, after coming on from the bench in last week’s 18-7 win over Ireland, meaning captain Owen Farrell will slide over to inside centre alongside Henry Slade.

Last week’s match winner Jonny May continues at left wing while Jonathan Joseph will line up on the opposite flank, with Elliot Daly at full back.

Ben Youngs is named at scrum half once again as he continues to close on the all-time English appearance record, while Jones continues with a familiar looking forward pack for the match at Parc y Scarlets.

In the back row, Billy Vunipola will start at No.8, with Tom Curry and Sam Underhill as flankers, while the trio of Mako Vunipola, Kyle Sinckler and Jamie George make up the front row.

After another superb performance last week, Maro Itoje remains at lock with Joe Launchbury as the reigning Guinness Six Nations champions continue their search for more silverware this year.

Luke Cowan-Dickie and Anthony Watson return from injury on the bench, with Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jonny Hill, Dan Robson, Will Stuart and Jack Willis the other replacements.

Jones said: “We’re expecting another tough match, and at the home of Welsh Rugby where the heart and soul of their game is.

“Twelve months ago, Wales were Grand Slam champions and three points from a World Cup final, so we know what they are capable of.

“We’ve picked the best 23 players for the battle and we’re looking forward to it greatly.”

England team to face Wales

15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 45 caps) 14. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 53 caps) 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 32 caps) 12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 86 caps) 11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 59 caps) 10. George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 70 caps) 9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 102 caps) 1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 62 caps) 2. Jamie George (Saracens, 52 caps) 3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 38 caps) 4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 41 caps) 5. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 67 caps) 6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 26 caps) 7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 20 caps) 8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 54 caps)

Replacements

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 24 caps) 17. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps) 18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 6 caps) 19. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 2 caps) 20. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 6 caps) 21. Jack Willis (Wasps, 1 cap) 22. Dan Robson (Wasps, 5 caps) 23. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 44 caps)