Warren Gatland’s Wales kick off their Rugby World Cup preparations by hosting England in the first of two consecutive Tests.
Here’s everything you need to know about Wales v England:
What time is Wales v England kick-off? What TV channel is it on?
Wales host England in their first warm-up this Saturday, August 5, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (5.30 pm kick-off, live on Amazon Prime Video in English and Welsh). Highlights will be available on S4C from 8.30 pm on Saturday.
Every Six Nations team, including Wales, will have their warm-up matches broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime.
Amazon Prime costs £8.99 per month. However, if you are not a Prime customer already, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial that will allow you to watch all the summer games for FREE here, but you will be billed £8.99 per month thereafter if you do not cancel after the 30 days.
What’s the Wales v England team news?
Jac Morgan will captain Wales for the first time on his 10th cap, as he starts at openside flanker.
tighthead prop Keiron Assiratti, loosehead Corey Domachowski and center Max Llewellyn all start to earn their first senior Wales caps, while former England international Henry Thomas and Taine Plumtree could make their debuts if they come off the bench.
Leigh Halfpenny is set to earn his 100th Wales cap from full-back.
As for England, loosehead prop Ellis Genge captains the side while the front row is completed by hooker Jamie Blamire and tighthead prop Will Stuart.
Uncapped flanker Tom Pearson packs down on the openside, linking up with Northampton Saints teammate Lewis Ludlam on the blindside and Alex Dombrandt at No. 8.
Harlequins duo Danny Care and Marcus Smith feature in the half-back berths, with Guy Porter partnering Joe Marchant in midfield. Joe Cokanasiga lines up on the left wing opposite Max Malins, and Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers) is at full-back.
Wales: 15. Leigh Halfpenny, 14. Louis Rees-Zammit, 13. George North, 12. Max Llewellyn, 11. Rio Dyer, 10. Sam Costelow, 9. Gareth Davies, 1. Corey Domachowski, 2. Ryan Elias, 3. Keiron Assiratti, 4. Dafydd Jenkins, 5. Will Rowlands, 6. Christ Tshiunza, 7. Jac Morgan (capt), 8. Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: 16. Elliot Dee, 17. Nicky Smith, 18. Henry Thomas, 19. Ben Carter, 20. Taine Plumtree, 21. Tomos Williams, 22. Dan Biggar, 23. Mason Grady.
England: 15. Freddie Steward, 14. Max Malins, 13. Joe Marchant, 12. Guy Porter, 11. Joe Cokanasiga, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Danny Care, 1. Ellis Genge (capt), 2. Jamie Blamire, 3. Will Stuart, 4. David Ribbans, 5. George Martin, 6. Lewis Ludlam, 7. Tom Pearson, 8. Alex Dombrandt.
Replacements: 16. Theo Dan, 17. Bevan Rodd, 18. Kyle Sinckler, 19. Jonny Hill, 20. Tom Willis, 21. Jack van Poortvliet, 22. George Ford, 23. Henry Slade.
What have the coaches said?
Wales head coach Warren Gatland: “I’ve been really pleased with the players’ effort and commitment in Turkey, Switzerland and the mini-camps in Wales prior, but now it’s about putting what we’ve been training into practice. We’re excited to get out on the pitch at Principality Stadium this Saturday – it’s always so special playing at home in front of our amazing fans.
“There is some great competition among the squad in all positions and we’ve selected a team this week with a few debutants because we want to give them the opportunity to see what they can do. There’s a lot to play for over the next three matches and everyone is still in contention to make that final squad for France.”
England head coach Steve Borthwick: “England versus Wales in Cardiff is always an exciting and keenly contested fixture. I am sure this Saturday will be no different as a tremendous first Test match of the Summer Nations Series.
