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Davies brothers start together as Wales change three

Inpho
Jonathan Davies and James Davies will line up together for Wales for the first time as the first brothers to play for the country in 13 years.

Jonathan Davies and James Davies will line up together for Wales for the first time as the first brothers to play for the country in 13 years.

Warren Gatland’s side take on England for the second week running, following Sunday’s 33-19 defeat at Twickenham.

They will have the chance to avenge that loss at Principality Stadium, with the Grand Slam champions making two further changes.

In addition to the younger Davies replacing Justin Tipuric in the back row, Dan Biggar comes in for the injured Gareth Anscombe while Jake Ball replaces Adam Beard.

And as his team continues to ramp up their preparations ahead of the World Cup, Gatland is excited to see what Wales can produce.

“This weekend is another opportunity for us to take the field, test ourselves and continue our preparation for Japan,” said Gatland.

“It is a little over five weeks until we kick off our campaign in Toyota against Georgia and it is important we are fully prepared and rugby-ready by then.

“We were disappointed to get the loss last weekend so it is important we step it up on Saturday and put in a big display in front a of a packed Principality Stadium.

“The squad are looking forward to getting back out there, taking another step towards the RWC and putting in a big performance.”

Wales team to face England:

15. Liam Williams (Saracens) 14. George North (Ospreys) 13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) 12. Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) 11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues) 10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints) 9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets)

1. Nicky Smith (Ospreys) 2. Ken Owens (Scarlets) 3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) 4. Jake Ball (Scarlets) 5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (c) 6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) 7. James Davies (Scarlets) 8. Ross Moriarty (Dragons)

Replacements:

16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) 17. Wyn Jones (Scarlets) 18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues) 19. Aaron Shingler (Scarlets) 20. Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues) 21. Aled Davies (Ospreys) 22. Jarrod Evans (Cardiff Blues) 23. Owen Watkin (Ospreys)