Six Ospreys have been named in the starting XV to face England at Twickenham on Sunday, led by AWJ who will play his 135th test match.
Alun Wyn Jones will become his country's most capped rugby player of alltime on Sunday when he leads Wales against England at Twickenham.
It will be Jones’ 135th test match (126th for Wales, plus 9 British
& Irish Lions tests) and he captains an experienced squad for Wales’ first
summer test, with 7 Ospreys selected in the matchday 23.
With a six-day turnaround between the back-to-back matches against England (Aug
11 and Aug 17), Warren Gatland is using the games and the preparation to
replicate Wales’ RWC schedule where they also face a six-day turnaround between
pool fixtures.
Wales have named an unchanged back-line from the side that clinched the Grand
Slam against Ireland in March.
Gareth Davies and Gareth Anscombe continue their partnership at half-back, with
Scarlets duo Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies paired in midfield. Josh
Adams, George North and Liam Williams make up the back three.
Nicky Smith, Ken Owens and Tomas Francis are named in the front-row with Adam
Beard partnering Jones in the second row. Aaron Wainwright, Justin
Tipuric and Ross Moriarty comprise the back-row.
"The squad are looking forward to this weekend and getting a game under
their belt after a really intense preparation period," said Wales head
coach Warren Gatland.
"We have picked a strong looking team and we are looking forward to seeing
how they kick on after a successful couple of campaigns.
"These matches are really important leading into the RWC, to ensure that
both the players are ready for the tournament but also to give players
opportunity to put their hands up for selection.
"There is a balance with selection, a needed to mix continuity from what
we have achieved and opportunity and we will look to do that over the next
couple of weeks.
"Looking at the first two matches, this block replicates what we are doing
in the RWC with a six day turnaround so it’s a good opportunity for us to
prepare and mimic that schedule."
Elliot Dee, Wyn Jones and Dillon Lewis provide the front-row cover with Jake
Ball and Aaron Shingler completing the forward contingent. Tomos
Williams, Dan Biggar and Owen Watkin are named as the backline cover.
WALES TEAM TO FACE ENGLAND, SUNDAY AUGUST 11 (KO 14.00 SKY SPORTS):
15. Liam Williams (Saracens) (55 Caps)
14. George North (Ospreys) (83 Caps)
13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (73 Caps)
12. Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) (15 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues) (10 Caps)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Ospreys) (26 Caps)
9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (41 Caps)
1. Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (28 Caps)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets) (64 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (40 Caps)
4. Adam Beard (Ospreys) (13 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (C) (Ospreys) (125 Caps)
6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) (8 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (64 Caps)
8. Ross Moriarty (Dragons) (31 Caps)
Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) (18 Caps)
17. Wyn Jones (Scarlets) (12 Caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues) (12 Caps)
19. Jake Ball (Scarlets) (32 Caps)
20. Aaron Shingler (Scarlets) (17 Caps)
21. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues) (7 Caps)
22. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints) (70 Caps)
23. Owen Watkin (Ospreys) (13 Caps)