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Davies and Jones back for Wales

Wales have made two changes to the side to face England in their Six Nations at Twickenham on Sunday.

The British and Irish Lions duo of Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) and Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) return to the starting XV.

Davies returns from injury to reunite Wales' most capped centre pairing as he lines up alongside Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro).

The only change in pack, from the victory against France, sees Jones return in the second row after missing the Millennium Stadium clash with a foot infection.

He partners Luke Charteris (Perpignan) behind a front row of Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Richard Hibbard and Adam Jones (both Ospreys), with Scarlets lock Jake Ball moving to the bench.

The back row remains unchanged – with captain Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues) featuring alongside Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro) and Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Scrumhalf Rhys Webb (Ospreys) and flyhalf Rhys Priestland (Scarlets) continue their partnership at halfback.

There is one positional change in the backline, with George North (Northampton Saints) returning to the wing from centre, in place of Scarlets back Liam Williams – who provides cover from the bench.

North lines up alongside Cardiff Blues pair Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny in the back three.

"It's great to have both Jon and [Davies] Alun Wyn [Jones] back and available and they come into a very experienced side," said coach warren Gatland.

"Jon came through the match well at the weekend and he is ready to go.

"We were happy with the response and performance against France but we know we will have to raise it another level on Sunday.

"We are really looking forward to going up to Twickenham, England have performed well so far and it's set up to be a great game with all to play for."

On the bench Ken Owens, Rhodri Jones (both Scarlets) and Paul James (Bath Rugby) are named as the front row replacements.

They are joined by Ball and Ospreys flank Justin Tipuric to complete the forward cover and Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Dan Biggar (Ospreys) and Williams provide cover for the backs.

 

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Gethin Jenkins.

Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Paul James, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Jake Ball, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Dan Biggar, 23 Liam Williams.

Date: Sunday, March 9

Venue: Twickenham, London

Kick-off: 15.00 (15.00 GMT)

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Assistant referees: Steve Walsh (Australia), Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa)

TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)

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