Marcus Smith is making a return to England’s starting lineup at full-back for the high-stakes Six Nations finale against Wales at the Principality Stadium. His comeback comes following a brief absence due to a previous match in which England triumphed over Italy. In a tactical readjustment, Tommy Freeman will switch from his wing position to play outside centre, stepping in for the injured Ollie Lawrence.
This adjustment in England’s backline also sees Elliot Daly move to the wing, with Tom Roebuck taking the place of Ollie Sleightholme on the opposite side. Coach Steve Borthwick has decided to implement two changes in the forward pack: Ben Curry will join his twin brother Tom on the flanks, while Ben Earl returns to the number eight spot, and Luke Cowan-Dickie will take over at hooker. Additionally, prop Will Stuart is set to earn the milestone of his 50th Test cap.
Having recently secured a strong performance against Italy, England has climbed to second place in the standings, enhancing their chances for the Six Nations title. They head into this match against Wales, who are in search of their first Test victory since October 2023 and are grappling with inconsistent performances.
The matchup is crucial not only for England’s title hopes but also for a Welsh side eager to improve their results. With the return of key players and strategic positional swaps, there is a renewed sense of determination within the English camp, bringing optimism to fans as they prepare for an exciting encounter in Cardiff.
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