Preview: England vs. Wales

11:00 AM GMT

England vs. Wales
Sunday, 15:00 BST

If this all feels a bit familiar, that's because it is. England and Wales have enacted northern hemisphere rugby union's biggest rivalry three times this season, with each game being staged at Twickenham. The two sides have a win apiece so far, with Warren Gatland's men leaving south west London victorious during the Rugby World Cup, and Eddie Jones' charges righting that result en route to their Six Nations Grand Slam.

England's 25-21 victory in March is fresh in Welsh minds and they will arrive at Twickenham looking to regain bragging rights as they prepare for their June tour of New Zealand. Their hosts are heading Down Under next month too, but with the Aviva Premiership final dictating selection somewhat, Jones will send out a more experimental lineup on Sunday. With starting places in Australia on the line, though, it promises to be anything but a friendly.

Team news

England have handed Teimana Harrison his debut and with Chris Robshaw rested, he starts at blindside with James Haskell at openside and Jack Clifford at No.8. Jones has named three uncapped players on the bench with hooker Tommy Taylor, loose-head Ellis Genge and centre Ollie Devoto among the replacements. Elsewhere Matt Mullan gets the nod at loose-head with Luther Burrell starting at inside centre and Dylan Hartley captaining the side from hooker.

With Sam Warburton sidelined for Sunday, Dan Lydiate skippers the Welsh side from openside. Ross Moriarty packs down at blindside and Taulupe Faletau anchors the pack at No.8. Alun Wyn Jones is fit to start and joins Jake Ball in the locks while Rhys Webb partners his Ospreys teammate Dan Biggar at half-back. Hallam Amos, George North and Liam Willams form the back three with Scott Williams partnering Jamie Roberts in the centres.

England: Mike Brown, Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Luther Burrell, Marland Yarde, George Ford, Ben Youngs; Matt Mullan, Dylan Hartley (captain), Dan Cole, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Teimana Harrison, James Haskell, Jack Clifford

Replacements: Tommy Taylor, Ellis Genge, Paul Hill, Dave Attwood, Matt Kvesic, Danny Care, Ollie Devoto, Elliot Daly

Wales: Liam Williams, George North, Scott Williams, Jamie Roberts, Hallam Amos, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Rob Evans, Scott Baldwin, Samson Lee, Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones, Ross Moriarty, Dan Lydiate (c), Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Gethin Jenkins, Rhodri Jones, Josh Turnbull, James King, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, Gareth Anscombe.

Key head-to-head

The shape of England's back row has been the focus of much debate since Eddie Jones took over as coach, and on Sunday a near-sellout crowd will see its latest iteration. Teimana Harrison's fine form with Northampton has been rewarded with a starting spot and he will be determined to put in an impressive debut showing. Up against him will be the wily experience of Dan Lydiate, who is sure to give his Test credentials a severe examination.

Key stats

*Five of the last 12 games between the two sides have been won by the away team.

*England will be without Owen Farrell at Twickenham, scorer of 40 points in the last two matches against Wales.

*The last three clashes between England and Wales have been decided by five points or less.

Form guide

England: WWWWW
Wales: WLWWD

Odds

England's resurgence under Eddie Jones will be tested on Sunday, but they are favourites to travel to Australia with a seventh successive victory under their belt. Unibet have priced the home side at 13/25 to win, while Wales are 6/4 with the same firm. The draw is 20/1.

Prediction

With plenty to play for at Twickenham, Sunday's clash is difficult to call. Neither side will want to embark on a gruelling tour on the back of a defeat but the Premiership final has put England at a slight disadvantage. Wales will arrive with a squad full of experience and their desire to avenge their Six Nations defeat should see them home.

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Preview: England vs. Wales