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Rugby news - Jack Nowell and Ben Moon to start against Wales
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Published 21/02/2019 at 11:44 GMT
Winger Jack Nowell and prop Ben Moon were included in England's starting team to face Wales in Saturday's potentially decisive Six Nations clash in Cardiff, with Joe Cokanasiga and Brad Shields on the bench for the first time in the championship.
Eddie Jones, (L) the England head coach celebrates with Ben Moon and Jack Nowell (R) after their victory during the Quilter International match between England and South Africa on November 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.
Image credit: Getty Images
Nowell was dropped to the bench against France, but with Chris Ashton out with a calf strain, returns to start in the same back three as in the opening win in Dublin, with Jonny May on the left and Elliot Daly at fullback.
Moon, who has impressed Jones since making his debut in November, is in for Mako Vunipola, who has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament. Ellis Genge will provide a fiery option from the bench.
"Jack Nowell will start and Joe Cokanasiga will come onto the bench. As we saw in the autumn, Joe is a player of great potential so we're looking forward to him adding to the squad," head coach Eddie Jones said.
With both teams having won their first two games, the Cardiff match (1645 GMT) already looks key to the title, particularly if England win it with home games against Italy and Scotland to come.
England have won their last five Six Nations games against the Welsh, but memories of their 2015 World Cup defeat at Twickenham and 30-3 humbling in Cardiff in 2013 when they were seeking a grand slam will keep their feet very much on the ground.
"Whenever you play against a Warren Gatland side you are playing against a side that is going to be very physical on the gain line," Jones added.
A home win would take Wales to a national record 12 successive victories, but with a final-day match against Ireland to come, there is still much to do.
England team to play Wales:
Replacements (147 caps)
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