Marcus Smith returns for Wales Six Nations clash as Steve Borthwick makes four changes from Scotland win
Updated 13/03/2025 at 14:07 GMT
After coming off the bench to add to England's big scoreline against Italy, Marcus Smith has been recalled to the starting XV to face Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday. Steve Borthwick's side can clinch the 2025 Six Nations title with a bonus-point victory, depending on results elsewhere. Borthwick has made four changes to the England team that beat Italy last time out.
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Marcus Smith will return to start England's 2025 Six Nations finale against Wales after he was dropped for Sunday's thumping victory over Italy.
Smith got on the scoresheet from the bench as England kept their title hopes alive with a seven-try win.
England start the final weekend a point behind Six Nations leaders France, who host Scotland on Saturday evening.
Harlequins star Smith will start at full-back against Wales, while Fin Smith keeps his place at 10 with Alex Mitchell at scrum-half in an unchanged half-back combination.
Smith is one of four changes, as Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Roebuck, and Ben Curry also come into the starting 15.
Sale Sharks' Cowan-Dickie will be deployed in the front row at hooker, with Ben Curry positioned at openside flank alongside twin brother Tom at blindside in the back row.
Elliot Daly shifts to the left wing and Roebuck makes his first start of the championship on the right.
Skipper Maro Itoje partners Ollie Chessum at lock, with Fraser Dingwall named at inside centre in midfield with Tommy Freeman moving to 13.
Elsewhere, Will Stuart starts at tighthead and is set to earn his 50th England cap.
"Reaching 50 caps is a well-deserved milestone for Will and a testament to the hard work he’s shown throughout his career," England head coach Steve Borthwick said.
"We’re excited to see him reach this landmark on Saturday and look forward to seeing him continue delivering performances at the highest level."
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Borthwick added: "We're excited to face Wales at the Principality Stadium this weekend, one of the most iconic venues in rugby," said Borthwick.
"The atmosphere will be electric, and we know we’ll need to be at our very best to get the result we’re aiming for."
Wales are currently bottom of the Six Nations table having lost all four of their games.
England team to play Wales
Starting XV: 15. Marcus Smith, 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Tommy Freeman, 12. Fraser Dingwall, Elliot Daly, 10. Fin Smith, 9. Alex Mitchell, 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. Ollie, 6. Tom Curry, 7. Ben Curry, 8. Ben Earl
Replacements: 16. Jamie George, 17. Fin Baxter, 18. Joe Heyes, 19. Chandler Cunningham-South, 20. Henry Pollock, 21. Tom Willis, 22. Jack van Poortvlie, 23. George Ford
Winless Wales call in Wainwright and Roberts
Hunting their first Test victory since October 2023, Wales welcome Joe Roberts and Aaron Wainwright into the squad, in two changes from their 35-29 defeat to Scotland.
Starting on the wing, Roberts replaces the injured Tom Rogers, after impressing as a 10th-minute replacement in the defeat last time out.
The Scarlets centre is joined in the line-up by Wainwright, who bolsters the back row with Tommy Reffell dropping to the bench.
Interim boss Matt Sherratt said: "Wales-England is always a special occasion and we know it will be an incredible atmosphere at Principality Stadium.
"We’re excited to finish our campaign at home and are looking to put in our best performance on pitch on Saturday."
Wales team to play England
Wales: Murray; Mee, Llewellyn, B Thomas, Roberts; Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Smith, Dee, John, Rowlands, Jenkins, Wainwright, Morgan (c), Faletau.
Replacements: Lake, G Thomas, Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Reffell, R Williams, J Evans, Tompkins.
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