Rugby World Cup – England and Wales name sides

IN one of the most anticipated clashes in the opening stages of the Rugby World Cup, England will face Wales in a Pool A match on Saturday September 26.

Both teams come into the match with a win with England beating Fiji and Wales overcoming Uruguay and expectations are high for both sides.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has made a surprise selection at Number 10 with Owen Farrell replacing George Ford at fly-half. With Jonathan Joseph injured, Lancaster is also starting Rugby League convert Sam Burgess at number 12. The new look English side comes in response to some sluggish play in the most recent warm up game against France and the win over Fiji.

Wales enter the game with injury woes and are missing talismanic full back Leigh Halfpenny however influential lock Alun Wyn Jones will start against England. The Wales player picked up an injury in a warm up game against Ireland but has been training fully all week and is ready for the contest.

The match could well prove vital to the shape of both teams’ campaigns and to the shape of World Cup 2015.