Wales v England: preview and stats
England meet Wales for the second time in a week on Saturday, as Eddie Jones’ men continue final preparations for Japan.
Maro Itoje starts at second row while Courtney Lawes features at blindside flanker, with Lewis Ludlam moving to openside. Ruaridh McConnochie had been due to make his England debut on the wing, but was forced to withdraw from the team due to injury. He is replaced on the wing by Bath Rugby's Anthony Watson.
Owen Farrell, Jamie George and Kyle Sinckler are also included in the match day 23 for the first time this series.
Views from camp
Eddie Jones: “Our selection strategy for our second game is similar to the first, so a bit of a mix-and-match approach. We are looking at different combinations and have a particular strategy for this game.
“The game is very much about ourselves preparing for the World Cup and we are respectful that we have got such strong opposition at their home ground. We are looking forward to it.
“The squad has been progressing well this week and I think there is a realisation among the squad now that the hard work really starts, nothing has been achieved.”
Famous Cardiff clashes
Ahead of this weekend’s meet at the Principality Stadium, we took a look back at five famous Cardiff clashes from over the years… remember this one?
2001: Wales 15 - 44 England
A Will Greenwood hat-trick made for a solemn atmosphere at the then Millennium Stadium, as a clinical England romped to victory.
Greenwood profited from a pair of forward surges, first after a searing Jonny Wilkinson break and then following a delightful Iain Balshaw offload.
Wales scrum half Howley capitalised on turnover ball to score, but Matt Dawson replied with a brace before half-time to pave the way for Clive Woodward’s side to stroll home.
Relive four more famous Cardiff clashes here.
Wales team
Here's how the hosts line up for the Test match...
Test your knowledge
Know your Joseph’s from your Jones’? Your Haskell’s from your Henson’s? Give our Anglo-Welsh rugby rivalry quiz a go…
Stats & Facts
England have won seven of their last nine Test matches against Wales (L2), including two wins from three matches at the Principality Stadium in that run.
Wales have hosted England 12 times at the Principality Stadium (W6, L6)
England have averaged 175 tackles per game so far in 2019, more than any other tier one team this year, while Wales boast the best tackle success rate (89%) of any side in the same period.
England have recorded a lineout success rate of 92% in Test rugby this year, the best rate of any tier one side in 2019, meanwhile Wales have the lowest rate at the same set piece (79%).
George Ford has successfully slotted each of his last 10 kicks at goal for England – including all six attempts against Wales last weekend – his best such run in Test rugby, beating his previous best of nine consecutive kicks in 2015.
England’s Billy Vunipola has made 83 carries in Test rugby this year – including 12 against Wales last weekend – more than any other tier one player in 2019, while teammate Elliot Daly has made the second most (64).
