Alun Wyn Jones is all set to add yet another accolade to his stellar season, after it was confirmed that he would lead out Guinness Six Nations champions Wales against England in their Rugby World Cup warm-up.
The imperious lock will become his country’s most capped player of all time when he steps out onto the Twickenham turf for his 135th Test match – 126 of which have come in the red of Wales, in addition to nine British & Irish Lions appearances.
In the first of Wales’ pre-tournament fixtures, Warren Gatland has named a squad replete with experience in a bid to mirror World Cup timeframes, the six days separating back-to-back matches against England an identical span between Pool matches in Japan.
The head coach has opted for to continuity in the backfield, with a starting line-up identical to those who beat Ireland to clinch the Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam named.
In the pack, Nicky Smith, Ken Owens and Tomas Francis make up the front row, with Adam Beard alongside Jones behind them, while Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty complete the XV.
The list of replacements is likewise blessed with talent, the likes of Dan Biggar, Tomos Williams and Elliot Dee all primed to make an impact from the bench.
“The squad are looking forward to this weekend and getting a game under their belt after a really intense preparation period,” said four-time Guinness Six Nations winner Gatland.
“We have picked a strong looking team and we are looking forward to seeing how they kick on after a successful couple of campaigns”
“These matches are really important leading into the RWC, to ensure that both the players are ready for the tournament but also to give players opportunity to put their hands up for selection.
“There is a balance with selection, a needed to mix continuity from what we have achieved and opportunity and we will look to do that over the next couple of weeks.
“Looking at the first two matches, this block replicates what we are doing in the RWC with a six day turnaround so it’s a good opportunity for us to prepare and mimic that schedule.”
Wales team to face England, Sunday August 11 (KO 14:00)
15. Liam Williams (Saracens) 14. George North (Ospreys) 13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) 12. Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) 11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues) 10. Gareth Anscombe (Ospreys) 9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets)
1. Nicky Smith (Ospreys) 2. Ken Owens (Scarlets) 3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) 4. Adam Beard (Ospreys) 5. Alun Wyn Jones (C) (Ospreys) 6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) 7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) 8. Ross Moriarty (Dragons)
Replacements
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) 17. Wyn Jones (Scarlets) 18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues) 19. Jake Ball (Scarlets) 20. Aaron Shingler (Scarlets) 21. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues) 22. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints) 23. Owen Watkin (Ospreys)
