By Adam Ellis
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has stuck with the same starting XV which defeated Scotland for their trip to Twickenham to face England.
The only change to the team that won 34-7 in the opening weekend of the Six Nations sees fit-again George North take a place among the replacements in place of Ospreys centre Owen Watkin.
The Northampton Saints winger has recovered from a knee injury he picked up in December and will stands to play in his first match for Wales since last year’s never-ending Test in Paris against France.
The only minor injury concern for the Wales head coach relates to the second row, with Cory Hill set to undergo a head injury assessment. Whether he fully participates in Thursday’s training session will give a clear indication he has overcome the knock he took against Scotland.
There is no place in the squad for British & Irish Lions star Liam Williams, who Gatland confirmed will return to Saracens to gain some match fitness in their Aviva Premiership tie with Newcastle on Saturday.
Commenting on the squad, Gatland said it was a luxury to select the same side that clinched the bonus-point win over Gregor Townsend‘s charges.
“It’s great to name an unchanged starting XV, the players deserve that for a very good performance on the opening weekend,” said Gatland.
“We have made one change on the bench, with George coming in for Owen (Watkin), which is tough on Owen but Josh (Adams) picked up a slight strain last weekend so George provides us a bit more cover there.
“We know how tough it is going to be against that huge English forward pack. They are really going to test us.
“England have been in great form the last couple of years so we know the challenge we face but we have had a good couple of weeks in camp and we are looking forward to going up to Twickenham.”