In the 2023 Six Nations, England triumphed over Wales with a score of 20-10, with Ollie Lawrence contributing one of the three tries on Welsh territory.
The upcoming summer test between Wales and England will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, 5 August, starting at 17:30 BST. The event will be covered via live text commentary on the Sport News Center website and app.
England’s World Cup preparations formally start this Saturday with a warm-up match versus Wales in Cardiff.
Despite Richard Wigglesworth, the assistant coach, emphasizing that this match is not necessarily a “deciding factor” for player selection, it is the final opportunity for players to make a strong impression before Steve Borthwick, the head coach, finalizes his ultimate 33-man squad on Monday morning.
Borthwick has hinted that the bulk of his squad has been settled, with only “a couple of spots” yet to be filled.
Which players need to secure their position in the final selection? And who needs to perform exceptionally to ensure their place in the opening game against Argentina in Marseille on 9 September?
Who has a chance to impress Borthwick?
Joe Cokanasiga, who scored for England in his most recent game against Argentina last November, is one of them.
Max Malins is the sole player from the Premiership final featured in Saturday’s starting line-up, as Borthwick opts to rest key players and provide chances for fresh faces.
Tom Pearson, a flanker, is set to make his first appearance, while fellow debutant forwards Theo Dan and Tom Willis will be on the bench. George Martin from Leicester Tigers will earn his second cap two years after his first, which he made at the age of 19.
Martin, now 22 and a Premiership champion, is given his opportunity in the second row where his physicality and stature will fortify England’s forward power. “His tackling ability and playing style are unmatched by many players,” former England international Chris Ashton commented on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
Joe Cokanasiga, a Bath winger who debuted with a try against Japan in 2018 at the age of 21, has found it challenging to secure his position in national squads consistently. He provides additional power and bulk to the backline and was part of the 2019 World Cup squad.
England’s coaching staff, Ashton hopes, will utilize Cokanasiga, currently 25, in the same manner they employed the Fijian behemoth Nemani Nadolo during their tenure at Leicester.
In 2022, as head coach of Leicester Tigers, Borthwick won the Premiership by emphasizing a strategy of kicking more than running, which proved to be a challenge for Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith during the Six Nations.
Could Borthwick’s decision to include Smith alongside club team-mate Danny Care against Wales be an attempt to blend both strategies?
Head coach Warren Gatland aims to “transform the pessimistic narrative” surrounding Welsh rugby after key players Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, and Rhys Webb all declared they wouldn’t be participating in this World Cup.
Despite Leigh Halfpenny earning his 100th Wales cap at full-back, the selection of a relatively inexperienced team could provide Gatland with some flexibility should the performance fall short.
The line-ups are as follows:
Wales: Halfpenny; Rees-Zammit, North, Llewellyn, Dyer; Costelow, Davies; Domachowski, Elias, Assiratti, Jenkins, Rowlands, Tshiunza, Morgan (captain), Wainwright.
Replacements: Dee, Smith, Thomas, Carter, Plumtree, Williams, Biggar, Grady.
England: Steward; Malins, Marchant, Porter, Cokanasiga; Smith, Care; Genge (capt), Blamire, Stuart; Ribbans, Martin; Ludlam, Pearson, Dombrandt.
Replacements: Dan, Rodd, Sinckler, Hill, T Willis, Van Poortvliet, Ford, Slade.
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about England vs Wales Rugby World Cup preparation
When and where is the warm-up match between England and Wales taking place?
The match will be held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, August 5th, kicking off at 17:30 BST.
Who is expected to stand out for England in the upcoming match?
Potential standout players for England include Max Malins, Tom Pearson, Theo Dan, Tom Willis, George Martin, and Joe Cokanasiga.
What is significant about this match for the players?
This warm-up match serves as the final opportunity for players to make an impression before head coach Steve Borthwick finalizes his 33-man squad for the World Cup.
Who is the head coach of the English team?
The head coach of the English rugby team is Steve Borthwick.
Who is the head coach of the Welsh team?
The head coach of the Welsh rugby team is Warren Gatland.
What are the teams’ line-ups?
The Wales team includes players Halfpenny, Rees-Zammit, North, Llewellyn, Dyer, Costelow, Davies, Domachowski, Elias, Assiratti, Jenkins, Rowlands, Tshiunza, Morgan (captain), Wainwright, and replacements Dee, Smith, Thomas, Carter, Plumtree, Williams, Biggar, Grady. The England team includes Steward, Malins, Marchant, Porter, Cokanasiga, Smith, Care, Genge (capt), Blamire, Stuart, Ribbans, Martin, Ludlam, Pearson, Dombrandt, and replacements Dan, Rodd, Sinckler, Hill, T Willis, Van Poortvliet, Ford, Slade.
Who is the referee for the match?
The referee for the match is Nic Berry from Australia.
More about England vs Wales Rugby World Cup preparation
- England Rugby Team
- Wales Rugby Team
- Rugby World Cup
- 2023 Six Nations Championship
- Steve Borthwick Profile
- Warren Gatland Profile
- Rugby Union Weekly podcast
6 comments
All this hype bout England, but remember, we’re playing at home boys. Home advantage, don’t underestimate!
George Martin, remember the name. Kids going places, trust me. Can’t wait for Saturday, lets get this started.
Rugby is back, baby! Both teams look good but my money’s on England, they got a strong side this year.
So pumped for the World cup. Hope Marcus Smith gets a decent shot this time, the lads got talent!
Can’t wait for this match. england squad lookin strong! Tom Pearson’s debut gonna be epic!
Gatland knows what hes doing, just watch! Will be a good game even with the newbies in our lineup.