Six Nations: Steve Borthwick names unchanged England XV for Wales clash at Twickenham, Ellis Genge on bench

Steve Borthwick has stuck with the same side that edged past Italy on the first weekend of the Six Nations as he named his XV to face Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

England, after coming from behind at half-time to beat the Azzurri 27-24 in Rome, welcome Wales to south-west London for what will be, as always, a highly anticipated clash.

Wales will be looking to carry momentum into the contest after recovering from 27-0 down to get within a point of Scotland at the end of a Six Nations classic at the Principality Stadium.

Warren Gatland has made seven changes to his starting line-up with experienced centre George North returning from injury to partner Nick Tompkins.

Back on the England bench is Ellis Genge, after the England front-rower and joint-vice captain withdrew from the squad in Rome with injury.

Borthwick has also given Immanuel Feyi-Waboso another chance to impress from the bench, the Cardiff-born winger having chosen to represent England over Wales.

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 32 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 58 caps)
12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 65 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 92 caps) – vice captain
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 12 caps)

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 89 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 86 caps) – captain
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 34 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 77 caps) – vice captain
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
6. Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 31 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 26 caps)

Speaking on the naming of his squad, Borthwick said: “It was both pleasing and important to have started our Six Nations campaign in Rome with a victory.

"It was good to have done so in front of so many travelling England supporters.

“However, we know there are areas of our game to improve as we prepare for this Saturday’s game against a spirited Wales team.

“With a new player group and a number of new caps, we have tried to develop our game on both sides of the ball. Such changes take time, and I was pleased how quickly the players settled and adapted last weekend against Italy.

“We’re delighted to be back playing in front of a sold-out Twickenham Stadium this Saturday. The visit of the Wales team is always a fixture that creates a special atmosphere.

“I have no doubt that this group of players are relishing the challenge before them and are looking forward to creating a very special experience for our supporters.”

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