The Wales team to play England has been confirmed as the men in red look to avoid the Six Nations wooden spoon.
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In what will be his last game as head coach, Matt Sherratt has made only two changes to his starting XV that lost 35-29 against Scotland. After naming an unchanged XV for first time in 66 Tests last timeout, he was unable to repeat that fate again as Tom Rogers has been ruled out due to a fracture thumb.
That means Scarlets centre, Joe Roberts for the first time in his professional career will start on the wing as he joins up with his regional side counterparts Ellis Mee and Blair Murray in the back-three. Roberts has come off the bench on two occasions in this year’s Championship, with his last outing seeing him play 71 minutes.
Another talking point is that Dragons RFC’s, Aaron Wainwright returns to the starting XV for the first time since the opening round of the Six Nations as he replaces Tommy Reffell. With the 27-year-old starting again, he joins back-up with Wales captain, Jac Morgan and Taulupe Faletau in the back-row for the first time since Wales’ triumph over Australia in Lyon at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
No New Faces in the Front Row
Having been impressive in his last two starts in the Welsh jersey, Elliot Dee remains at hooker despite Dewi Lake back fit. Dee will be joined by both Nicky Smith and WillGriff John to complete the front row.
Young and Old Remain in the Locks
33-year-old Will Rowlands will join 22-year-old Dafydd Jenkins in the second row. Jenkins made 28 tackles in his last outing for Wales and speaking to the press on Monday insisted that Wales ‘can’t allow’ England to win on Saturday.
Captain Morgan Moves Back to Seven
After playing on the blindside in Wales’ last two matches Captain, Jac Morgan will wear the seven jersey. He will join up with Wainwright and Taulupe Faletau in the back row.
No Changes in the Half-Backs
The pairing of Gloucester Rugby’s Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe remain in the nine and ten channel.
Strong Centre Partnership Continues
Ben Thomas who has vastly improved since returning to his beloved 12 shirt joins up with Max Llewellyn. The pair both crossed the whitewash at Murrayfield last weekend.
Surprise on the Wing
This may be interim head coach, Sherratt biggest call of his stint as Wales boss, 24-year-old Roberts will start on the wing for the first time in his professional career. Both Ellis Mee and Blair Murray will lineup for their first match against England in the Six Nations, as they complete the starting XV.
Wales team to play England:
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets, 7 Caps)
14. Ellis Mee (Scarlets, 2 Caps)
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby, 7 Caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby, 11 Caps)
11. Joe Roberts (Scarlets, 4 Caps)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Gloucester Rugby, 41 Caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby, 63 Caps)
1. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers, 54 Caps)
2. Elliot Dee (Dragons RFC, 55 Caps)
3. WillGriff John (Sale Sharks, 4 Caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92, 40 Caps)
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Rugby, 9 Caps)
6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons RFC, 56 Caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys, 22 Caps)- Captain
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby, 107 Caps)
Replacements:
16. Dewi Lake (Ospreys, 19 Caps)
17. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys, 39 Caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby, 12 Caps)
19. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby, 5 Caps)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers, 26 Caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons RFC, 8 Caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (Harlequins, 10 Caps)
23. Nick Tompkins (Saracens, 40 Caps)
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EDITORS PICKS:
Bookies Predict the Lions XV to Face Australia – Two England Players Start
Forwards
1. Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/2
A converted loosehead prop who started his career as a tighthead, Porter is a cornerstone of Ireland’s pack with his powerful scrummaging and relentless work rate around the pitch.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 3/10
One of the most dynamic hookers in world rugby, Sheehan offers explosive ball-carrying ability and strong set-piece play. He has become a key figure in Ireland’s recent successes.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 8/13
Arguably the best tighthead prop in the game, Furlong is known for his scrummaging dominance and remarkable skills in open play, often moving like a back despite his size.
4. Maro Itoje (England) – 1/5
The only Englishman in the starting XV, Itoje is a world-class lock with exceptional athleticism, lineout expertise, and a knack for disrupting opposition attacks. A Lions veteran, he’ll be vital for the tour.
5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 1/2
A rising star in Irish rugby, McCarthy has made a huge impact with his physicality and work rate in Leinster’s second row. He’s quickly becoming a dominant force in European rugby.
6. Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
The 2022 World Player of the Year, Van der Flier is an outstanding openside flanker with relentless tackling, breakdown skills, and an ability to pop up in crucial moments.
7. Ben Earl (England) – 4/9
England’s standout forward in recent tournaments, Earl’s dynamic ball-carrying, high work rate, and speed make him a perfect fit for the Lions’ back row.
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/4
One of the best No.8s in world rugby, Doris combines intelligence, strength, and leadership. His ball-carrying ability and defensive prowess make him an essential selection.
Backs
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) – 1/3
Originally from New Zealand, Gibson-Park has revolutionized Ireland’s attack with his fast tempo and crisp distribution. His quick decision-making will be key in Australia.
10. Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/4
A mercurial fly-half known for his creativity, pinpoint kicking, and unpredictable attacking play, Russell is the X-factor the Lions will need to unlock Australia’s defence.
11. James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
A powerful winger with a cannon of a left boot, Lowe has been a game-changer for Ireland, providing pace, physicality, and superb finishing ability.
12. Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
One of the most destructive centres in world rugby, Aki blends power with slick handling and defensive solidity. His recent form makes him a nailed-on Lions starter.
13. Huw Jones (Scotland) – 1/2
A classy centre with a sharp rugby brain, Jones is known for his attacking lines, pace, and ability to break defences. He has returned to top form for Scotland.
14. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
A giant winger with terrifying pace and strength, Van der Merwe has been a try-scoring machine for Scotland and was one of the stars of the 2021 Lions tour.
15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
One of the most consistent full-backs in world rugby, Keenan is rock solid under the high ball, defensively sound, and a dangerous attacking threat.
This projection underscores Ireland's strong presence, with ten players expected to start, reflecting their recent dominance in international rugby. Scotland contributes three players, notably in key backline positions, while England's representation is limited to Maro Itoje in the forwards.
The selection process for the Lions is always a topic of intense debate, influenced by players' form, fitness, and performances in the lead-up to the tour. As the 2025 tour approaches, these odds may shift, especially with upcoming international fixtures and domestic competitions providing players with opportunities to stake their claims.
Note: The odds presented are based on current bookmaker predictions and are subject to change as the tour date nears.
You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz
The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.
From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.
Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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