Genge and Sinckler start against Wales in Cardiff

Steve Borthwick’s side will travel to Cardiff today [Thursday 23 February] ahead of the game at the Principality Stadium on Saturday (4.45pm KO).
 
In the only change to the England starting team that beat Italy 31-14 a fortnight ago, Anthony Watson comes in at left wing.  Max Malins is on the right wing and Freddie Steward is at full back.
 
Captain Owen Farrell is at fly half, with Ollie Lawrence at inside centre and Henry Slade at outside centre.  Jack van Poortvliet stays at scrum half.
 
In an unchanged forward pack, vice-captain Ellis Genge joins Kyle Sinckler and hooker Jamie George in the front row.
 
Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum are at lock.  Flankers Lewis Ludlam and Jack Willis and No. 8 Alex Dombrandt complete the XV.
 
Vice-captain Courtney Lawes could make his England return following injury after being named as a replacement.  He is alongside Jack Walker, who made his England debut against Italy, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith and Henry Arundell.

Borthwick said: “Wales v England in Cardiff is one of the iconic rugby fixtures, steeped in history and always full of passion. 
 
“We know the Principality Stadium crowd will be in full voice and we will have to be at our very best to repeat the success we had in the last round against Italy. 
 
“I have selected a team that I think has the right players and balance to meet the particular challenges we will face this weekend.
 
“I am delighted to have welcomed Courtney Lawes back to the squad after injury. His quality and experience has contributed to a focused training week, marked by the sort of competition and intensity we expect.  
 
“I could not have asked any more from all the players and there is no doubt that they can’t wait to be a part of this special occasion.”
 
Wales v England is live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live.
 
ENGLAND XV
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
14. Max Malins (Saracens, 16 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 53 caps)
12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 9 caps)
11. Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers, 52 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 103 caps) (c)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 45 caps) (vc)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 74 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 58 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 64 caps)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)
6. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 16 caps)
7. Jack Willis (Toulouse, 7 caps)
8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 11 caps)
 
REPLACEMENTS
16. Jack Walker (Harlequins, 1 cap)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 76 caps)
18. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 97 caps)
19. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 96 caps) (VC)
20. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 19 caps)
23. Henry Arundell (London Irish, 4 caps)